Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Eğitimde Nitel Araştırmalar Dergisi, cilt.2025, sa.41, ss.60-94, 2025 (ESCI)
This study examines psychological counselors' motivations to go to the earthquake zone, their work and feelings about it, how to ensure psychological resilience, and their suggestions on this issue. The study included 14 psychological counselors who provide psychological first aid (PFA) and psychosocial support (PSS) services in disaster settings. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect the data, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. When the motivations of the psychological counselors participating in PFA and PSS services for going to the disaster area and working there were examined, it was seen that two different themes emerged: personal motivation and professional motivation sources. Psychological counselors reported conducting artistic, PFA, and PSS activities in the disaster zone. Psychological counselors said they tried to protect their psychological resilience by doing emotional regulation, cognitive, and physical activities in the earthquake zone. Psychological counselors emphasized the importance of factors such as expectations from the psychosocial support team, personal coping resources, cognitive and emotional readiness, and physical health protection to protect the psychological resilience of field experts who will work in the disaster zone. Participants categorized their feelings about their experiences in the earthquake zone as pleasant emotions and unpleasant emotions. This study reveals findings that can inform social welfare interventions and policies designed to address the nature of disasters, including activities carried out in disaster zones, personal characteristics, social/environmental interactions, and demands for protection and recovery. Strategies for maintaining mental strength in disaster situations include self-care, having critical coping skills, seeking professional psychological support or supervision when needed, ensuring high levels of motivation and collaboration, and maintaining professional boundaries and continuity.