Background: The twin earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, on February 6, 2023, caused widespread devastation and loss of life. Beyond the physical destruction, such large-scale disasters often result in significant psychological trauma. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the prevalence and severity of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among adult Turkish survivors during the first 18 months post-disaster.Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between February 6, 2023, and May 30, 2025. Eligible studies included quantitative assessments of PTSD, depression, or anxiety using validated Turkish-language scales, with general adult population samples (N ≥ 370). Eight studies (N = 5,965) met inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for studies reporting prevalence of probable PTSD, while depression and anxiety outcomes were synthesized descriptively due to limited and heterogeneous data. Risk factors for psychological morbidity were also extracted and analyzed. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025644127).Results: The pooled prevalence of probable PTSD was 41% (95% CI: 32–52%). Reported PTSD rates ranged from 29 to 54%, and symptom severity remained high throughout the first year. Depression and anxiety were also widespread, with up to 40% screening positive for depression and 40–50% reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Comorbidity between PTSD, depression, and anxiety was common. Significant risk factors included female gender, bereavement, home destruction, displacement, job loss, and low social support. Resilience was protective in some studies, though findings were inconsistent.Conclusion: Eighteen months after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Turkish adult survivors continued to experience high levels of probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These findings highlight a prolonged mental health crisis and underscore the urgent need for sustained, targeted psychosocial interventions. Integrating mental health support into disaster preparedness and long-term recovery efforts is essential for mitigating psychiatric morbidity in future disasters.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025644127.

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, caused extensive destruction and psychological distress across southeastern Turkey. This study explores the psychological impact on non-victims, particularly Istanbul residents, focusing on mental health outcomes and coping mechanisms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2024 with 721 participants from various Turkish cities, including a significant portion from Istanbul. Validated psychological scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) measured depression, anxiety, well-being, and PTSD symptoms. Sociodemographic factors like age, gender, occupation, income, education level, and previous earthquake experience were also analyzed. Results showed significant psychological distress among non-victims: 51.9% reported high levels of distress, with 24% meeting PTSD criteria, 30% exhibiting moderate to severe depression, and 28% experiencing significant anxiety. Higher income and education levels correlated with better mental health outcomes. Higher education levels were linked to lower PTSD risk (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer depression symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Higher income was associated with lower depression scores (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer PTSD symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Age positively correlated with well-being (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and negatively with PTSD symptoms (r = -0.15, p < 0.05). Comparisons with victim studies of major earthquakes, such as the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, the 1999 Marmara earthquake, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and the 2000 Iceland earthquakes, revealed similar profound psychological impacts. This highlights the need for comprehensive mental health interventions for both direct and indirect exposures. This study underscores the necessity for inclusive mental health strategies to enhance resilience and well-being, ensuring robust recovery after catastrophic events.

The Great Southeast Turkey Earthquakes (GSTE) of February 2023 were not only a physical disaster but also seem to have triggered the onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among survivors in Kahramanmaraş and surrounding areas. This review emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate clinical interventions in PTSD therapies, addressing the psychological impacts left by the earthquakes. The Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) models implemented after the 1999 Marmara earthquake failed to integrate cultural and Islamic thoughts effectively. With this critical perspective, the article advocates for a holistic healing process that integrates Islamic coping mechanisms with clinical psychology. The importance of religious and spiritual practices in PTSD recovery, especially reliance on Allah, patience, the concept of ummah, prayer, almsgiving, and belief in destiny, is highlighted. While analyzing the potential effectiveness of Islamic approaches in PTSD rehabilitation, the study criticizes the inadequacies of current clinical practices and advocates for the adoption of faith-integrated therapeutic strategies. It proposes a structured methodology for Islamic-Oriented TF-CBT that integrates spiritual practices with scientifically supported psychological interventions, highlighting the gaps in current practices. The aim is to bridge the gap between Islamic practices and clinical psychology, offering a treatment approach compatible with the religious values and traditions of the Muslim population affected by the GSTE. This critical perspective strengthens the call for progress towards cultural competency in mental health services, ensuring that PTSD treatments adapt to the diversity and complexity of earthquake victims. The article emphasizes the need to comprehensively address the psychological needs of individuals affected by the GSTE, particularly those battling PTSD. Recognizing PTSD as not only an individual disorder but also a societal issue, the study suggests that treatment processes should consider not only the individual but also the community. The importance of community-based interventions is highlighted, discussing the current shortcomings and areas for development in this field. In conclusion, the article underscores the significance of cultural sensitivity and community-based approaches in PTSD treatment, calling for more research and implementation in this area.

Background: Muscle dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), involves an obsessive preoccupation with perceived insufficient muscularity despite an objectively muscular physique. While its psychological features are well-documented, physiological and attentional underpinnings remain underexplored.Objective: This exploratory, proof-of-concept case series examines the psychological, physiological, and attentional characteristics of individuals with varying experiences of MD using a multimodal approach combining electroencephalography (EEG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and eye-tracking technologies.Methods: Three male participants were purposefully selected to represent distinct clinical profiles: one with active MD and steroid use, one in sustained remission from MD, and one with no MD history. Participants completed validated psychological scales (MDDI, BIDQ, STAI, RSES) and were exposed to personalized visual stimuli (past, current, and idealized body images). A triangulated recording protocol was used to capture EEG, GSR, and eye-tracking data during stimulus exposure.Results: Participants with current and past MD showed elevated beta wave activity, increased skin conductance, and attentional biases toward muscular regions, corresponding with higher self-reported distress and anxiety. In contrast, the control participant exhibited stable physiological responses and emotionally neutral reactions. Triangulated data revealed coherent patterns across subjective and physiological domains, supporting the internal validity of the findings despite the small sample.Conclusion: These findings illustrate the potential of multimodal assessment in identifying candidate psychophysiological markers of MD. While not generalizable, this case-series provides a valuable framework for future hypothesis-driven research and supports the need for gender-specific diagnostic and intervention strategies in muscle dysmorphia.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between problematic social media use, self-objectification, and body image disturbance in women, with physical activity and diet intensity as moderators. It also explores the psychological outcomes of depression and anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 594 women aged 18– 65 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants completed validated measures assessing social media use, self-objectification, body image disturbance, physical activity, diet intensity, depression, and anxiety. A moderated mediation analysis was performed. Results: Self-objectification significantly mediated the relationship between problematic social media use and body image disturbance (b = 0.14, SE = 0.03, 95% CI [0.10, 0.21], p < 0.01, R² = 0.18). Physical activity buffered this effect (b = − 0.12, SE = 0.05, p = 0.02, d = 0.36), while diet intensity exacerbated it (b = 0.15, SE = 0.04, p < 0.01, d = 0.42). Body image disturbance also mediated the association between social media use and depression (b = 0.18, SE = 0.05, p < 0.01, R² = 0.22) and anxiety (b = 0.16, SE = 0.04, p < 0.01, R² = 0.19). Conclusion: The findings highlight the dual roles of physical activity and diet intensity in shaping body image outcomes. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the negative impact of social media-driven self-objectification on body image and mental health. Plain Language Summary: This study examines how social media use affects women’s body image and mental health, focusing on the unique cultural environment of Istanbul, Türkiye. Social media platforms, particularly those emphasizing visuals, often promote unrealistic beauty standards. These images can lead women to internalize these ideals, evaluating themselves based on appearance rather than personal qualities. This process, known as self-objectification, may result in dissatisfaction with their own bodies and contribute to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. We surveyed 594 women aged 18– 65, analyzing their social media habits, body image concerns, physical activity levels, dieting behaviors, and mental health symptoms. We found that social media use is linked to greater body dissatisfaction through self-objectification. However, the extent of this relationship depends on lifestyle factors. Women who engaged in regular physical activity experienced less impact from self-objectification on their body image, suggesting that exercise can protect against harmful effects. On the other hand, restrictive dieting intensified these effects, highlighting the risks associated with extreme dieting practices. Our findings also show that body dissatisfaction can lead to broader mental health challenges, including increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier social media habits, balanced physical activity, and mindful eating practices. By addressing these factors, we can support women in navigating the pressures of social media and cultural beauty standards, fostering better mental health and body image.

Bu çalışma, İslami inançlara dayalı dini kavrayış ile yas psikolojisi deneyimi arasındaki etkileşimi incelemektedir; odak noktası, üç çocuğunu kalp hastalığına kaybeden 72 yaşındaki bir kadın olan H.B.’dir. İslami ilkeler olan Tevekkül (Allah’a güven), Kader (ilahi takdir) ve Yakīn (kesinlik)’in, bu derin kayıplar karşısında başa çıkma stratejilerini nasıl şekillendirdiğini araştırır. H.B.'nin özel olarak seçilmesi, kişisel trajedinin derinliği ve dini dayanıklılığın gücü bakımından zengin bir hikâyeyi barındırması ve manevi başa çıkma mekanizmalarına dair içgörüler sunması açısından önemlidir. Bu çalışma, H.B.'nin inancına olan bağlılığının, geleneksel psikolojik dayanıklılık kavramlarına meydan okuyan, benzersiz bir kabullenme ve güven yolunu nasıl kolaylaştırdığını vurgular. Bu, söz konusu dini ilkelerin kültürlerarası uygulanabilirliğini ve zihinsel sağlık uygulamalarına entegrasyonunu yeniden değerlendirilmesini teşvik eder ve aynı zamanda, aşırı sıkıntılı zamanlarda destek sağlamada inanç temelli toplulukların destekleyici rolünü ön plana çıkarır. H.B.'nin etkileyici hikâyesi, dini inanç ile psikolojik dayanıklılık arasındaki karmaşık bağlantıyı vurgular, manevi ve zihinsel sağlık arasındaki sinerjik ilişkiye saygı duyan bütünleşik bir perspektif benimsemeyi savunur. İslami bir bağlam içinde yürütülen bu araştırma, psikoloji, ilahiyat ve sosyoloji alanlarındaki devam eden tartışmalara katkıda bulunmayı amaçlar ve hayatın en zorlayıcı durumları karşısında inancın, kabullenmenin ve dayanıklılığın karmaşık dinamiklerine ışık tutar.