A brief religiously-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) after Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye: A case series

Abstract

Background: After earthquakes, disaster survivors frequently experience acute psychological distress and require time- and resource-efficient, accessible, and culturally sensitive interventions. Integrating religious values into psychological interventions may enhance acceptability and effectiveness in such contexts. Methods: This case series aimed to develop a brief religiously-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention program sensitive to religious values for individuals experiencing acute stress symptoms. Seven earthquake survivors with acute stress symptoms participated. The DSM-5 Acute Stress Symptoms Severity Scale was used for initial screening, and the Stress Symptoms Subscale of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) was used to assess symptom severity at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-week, 1-month, and 1-year follow-up. Participants received a 5-session, 2.5-week intervention designed in consultation with religious authorities and trauma experts. The study was conducted in March 2023. Results: The intervention appeared to contribute to a notable reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms. On average, participants exhibited a 46% decrease in scores on the PDS Stress Symptoms Subscale following the intervention. These improvements were sustained across all follow-up periods. Conclusions: The brief religiously-adapted cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for ASD appears to be a feasible and practical short-term approach for reducing acute stress symptoms and potentially preventing the development of PTSD in post-earthquake populations seeking religious-sensitive psychological care.