In good days, in "disaster" days: Grounded theory of couple dynamics post-2023 Türkiye earthquake

Objective This study investigates the post-disaster couple dynamics after the 2023 T & uuml;rkiye earthquake, integrating the lenses of survivors and couple therapists.Background Little is known about the romantic relationship dynamics of couples after natural disasters, despite the potential to serve as both a source and a risk factor for well-being.Method Using a constructivist grounded theory, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 earthquake survivors (aged 22-40, M = 30.2, SD = 5.84) and eight couple therapists (aged 28-48, M = 34.76, SD = 6.45).Results Our findings reveal that shortly after the earthquake, relationship satisfaction increased, although this effect was transient. Over the subsequent 18-month period, many couples experienced conflicts, sexual issues, violence and aggression, or relationship dissolution driven by the disaster environment and external stressors. Although participants' persistent posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms or grief contributed to these outcomes, some couples employing dyadic adjustment strategies to address the effects of earthquake trauma and additional stressors exhibited posttraumatic relational growth.Conclusion Shared trauma exposure can potentially strengthen relational cohesion or intensify strain in a couple's adaptation to earthquakes, contingent on the couple's resources and employed strategies.Implications To foster relational resilience, future research and interventions should prioritize culturally sensitive psychotherapeutic approaches and policy measures in post-disaster settings.