Finding meaning amid the rubble: a moderated mediation model of religious coping, meaning in life, and life satisfaction after the earthquakes in Türkiye

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effects of positive religious coping (PRC) on meaning in life (ML) and life satisfaction (LS) in the aftermath of the February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye, widely regarded as the disaster of the century. Furthermore, the study, conducted with 307 individuals affected by the earthquakes, explores the indirect effects of prior trauma and self-reported religiosity (SR) on these relationships; the sample size was determined through G*Power analyses to ensure adequate statistical power. Findings from this cross-sectional study indicate that prior trauma, such as an accident, natural disaster, or loss of a loved one, weakens the direct relationship between PRC and LS, suggesting that individuals with significant trauma histories may experience diminished psychological benefits from religious coping strategies. Using a moderated mediation model, findings revealed that ML serves as a crucial mediator, reinforcing the link between PRC and LS. This finding indicates that individuals who utilize PRC strategies tend to find greater meaning in life, which in turn enhances their overall life satisfaction. However, the strength of this mediation relationship is moderated by SR. The indirect effect of PRC on LS through ML is significantly stronger, with individuals reporting higher levels of religiosity. As levels of perceived religiosity increase, individuals appear more capable of deriving meaning from adversity through religious coping mechanisms, leading to improved psychological outcomes. These findings highlight the complex interplay between trauma, religious coping, and quality of life, providing implications for mental health interventions aimed at enhancing well-being in post-disaster contexts.