Exploring the complex relationships between earthquake obsession and mental well-being among earthquake survivors: Serial mediation and moderated mediation analysis

This study examined the relationships between earthquake obsession, psychological well-being, future anxiety, and hope in adults who experienced the earthquakes in southern Türkiye in 2023. The study sample consisted of 528 adults aged between 18 and 55 years. The results of the study showed that high earthquake obsession is associated with low mental well-being; however, high hope acts as a buffer in this relationship. At the same time, future anxiety mediates the relationship between earthquake preoccupation and mental well-being. In addition, we found that married individuals have more earthquake obsession and lower mental well-being than single individuals, and future anxiety has a more negative effect on well-being in single individuals. These findings will provide insights for mental health professionals to enhance well-being in intervention studies.