Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial on the Feasibility and Efficacy of Individual SH+ Intervention for Earthquake Survivors

On February 6 2023, Türkiye experienced two consecutive major earthquakes measuring 7.6 and 7.8 on the Richter scale, resulting in extensive devastation across 11 provinces. According to data provided by the World Health Organization, the earthquakes resulted in a death toll of 51,000 and affected 9.1 million people, causing the displacement of 3 million individuals and the provision of accommodation for over 3 million people. The region experienced numerous subsequent aftershocks. The aftermath saw the collapse or severe damage of no fewer than 298,000 buildings. Earthquakes represent a well-explored phenomenon. The devastating impact of these seismic events goes beyond mere physical destruction and loss of life; it extends to people's aspirations and future plans, causing disruptions to the natural trajectory of their lives. While the anguish experienced by those who've lost loved ones cannot be alleviated, and the reality of the disaster cannot be undone, there may be measures we can adopt to alleviate its repercussions. A fundamental protective element, psychological flexibility, emerges as a means to mitigate the adverse aftermath of earthquakes. This trait empowers individuals to embrace psychological liberation by acknowledging their present circumstances and openly investigating the facets that are within and beyond their control. Natural calamities possess the capacity to reshape our perspective on the world. One's outlook on the future, self-perception, and perception of others undergo transformation compared to our pre-earthquake mindset. The seismic event disrupts the innate cognitive flow, triggering introspection about personal safety, one's role in the world, and the significance underlying social connections. The once-steadfast sense of security is replaced by a belief that danger looms, with vulnerability a constant companion. Traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often challenges these fears by demanding evidence-based thinking, while Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a different approach. Notably, as psychological flexibility increases, so does one's capacity to manage posttraumatic stress symptoms. Self-Help Plus (SH+), an intervention developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is designed as a stress management program based on the principles of ACT. Although originally intended for group settings, this study adapts the intervention for individual delivery, tailored specifically for adults affected by the earthquakes. SH+ comprises five sessions dedicated to fostering five essential skills: grounding, disengaging from unhelpful thoughts, aligning actions with personal values, practicing kindness, and creating emotional space. While SH+ was originally conceptualized as a group-based intervention designed to foster social support and shared experiences among participants, this study adapts it for a one-on-one format, emphasizing a more personalized therapeutic approach. This individualized intervention is structured to help participants navigate their distress in a targeted, cost-effective, and concise manner. In the context of earthquake survivors, SH+ has the potential to offer a structured, evidence-based method for developing crucial coping skills, even within the individualized delivery model.