Relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Spiritual Well-Being in older adults earthquake survivors: a cross-sectional correlational study

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This cross-sectional correlational study aims to explore the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Spiritual Well-Being (SWB) in older adult earthquake survivors. The sample included 78 individuals who relocated to a dormitory in the Aegean Region of Türkiye after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, with data collected between April and June 2023. Data were collected using the Information Form, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Spiritual Well-Being Scale. In this study, 30.8% of participants were found to have a probable PTSD diagnosis. Individuals with a probable PTSD diagnosis had significantly higher levels of SWB compared to those without. The SWB sub-dimension most significantly associated with PTSD was Anomie, while the Transcendence and Harmony with Nature sub-dimension showed no relation to PTSD. Anomie was a significant predictor of PTSD, with a 1-point increase in Anomie raising the likelihood of PTSD by 1.14 times in individuals aged 65 and over. Based on these findings, it is recommended to assess SWB and provide psychosocial and spiritual care, training, and counseling services to older adults who have experienced an earthquake and subsequent relocation.