The effects of psychoeducation-supported breathing and relaxation exercises on Post-Traumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality in earthquake survivors

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducation-supported breathing and relaxation exercises on post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality in individuals affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. While such interventions have shown promise in various trauma-exposed populations, their specific impact on earthquake survivors remains underexplored. The study sought to determine whether a structured, low-cost group-based intervention could improve psychological recovery and sleep quality in this vulnerable group. A randomized controlled pre-test–post-test design was employed in this study. The population consisted of earthquake survivors residing in temporary shelters in Malatya, one of the provinces most severely affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. A total of 203 earthquake survivors were assessed for eligibility; 90 participants were randomized equally into the intervention and control groups, and 84 completed the study and were included in the final analysis (42 in the intervention group and 42 in the control group). Data were collected using the sociodemographic form, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale (PTSD-SS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The intervention group received six sessions of psychoeducation-supported breathing and relaxation exercises delivered in a group training format. No intervention was provided to the control group. Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality compared to the control group ( p < .05). Specifically, the mean PTSD-SS score in the intervention group decreased by 5.45 points, and the mean PSQI score decreased by 3.88 points, indicating reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms and improved sleep quality. Breathing and relaxation exercises supported by psychoeducation appear to be a low-cost and effective approach for reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms and improving sleep quality among individuals affected by disasters. The integration of such interventions into post-disaster psychosocial support programs may contribute to the mental health and overall well-being of earthquake survivors. NCT07781904. Retrospectively registered on August 21, 2026.