The Effect of Therapeutic Communication Program on the Psychological State of Children

Earthquake is a disaster that causes physical, psychological, social, economic and cultural losses for individuals and affects/interrupts all age groups and normal life. Children are a group that is more affected by the earthquake than other members of the society and are exposed to its long-term effects. Children who have experienced earthquakes and continue to stay in the earthquake zone experience physical, economic, and social problems. In addition, the emotional and psychological development of these children is negatively affected. Due to the earthquake that occurred on 6 February 2023 affecting 11 provinces in our country, the needs in the field vary. After the acute period (first 1 month), children need psychological support. Problems that cannot be solved in the early period may cause health and behavioural problems in children in later ages and adulthood. In this context, approaching children with appropriate therapeutic communication methods positively affects their psychological well-being and directly affected physical resilience by enabling them to express their emotions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic communication programme on state and trait anxiety levels, psychological resilience, mental health and well-being of children aged 8-12 years affected by the earthquake. Hypotheses H1. After the therapeutic communication programme, children's State Anxiety Scale scores decrease. H2. After the therapeutic communication programme, children's Continuance Anxiety Scale scores decrease. H3. After the therapeutic communication programme, children's Me and My Emotions Scale scores decrease. H4. After the therapeutic communication programme, children's scores on the Child and Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale increase.