Culturally adapted therapy for earthquake survivors' mental health

Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Psychological Distress of Individuals Affected by the Earthquake: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Koç University · NCT06189937

This study is testing a new type of therapy that combines traditional methods with culturally relevant approaches to see if it can help earthquake survivors in Türkiye feel less anxious and depressed.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKoç University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06189937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized control trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CA-CBT) in reducing psychological distress and depressive symptoms among survivors of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye. The intervention incorporates culturally relevant techniques alongside traditional cognitive behavioral therapy principles, targeting a range of mental health issues that may arise post-disaster. Participants will be assessed for psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and those meeting the criteria will receive group therapy sessions designed to enhance well-being and emotional regulation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced the earthquakes and exhibit considerable psychological distress.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders or those presenting suicidality may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for earthquake survivors suffering from psychological distress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective in treating mental health issues in diverse populations, suggesting a promising approach for this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being 18 years old or older.
* Having experienced the earthquake.
* Having a considerable amount of psychological distress: scoring 16 or higher on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a severe mental disorder (conducted by a trained assessor).
* Presenting suicidality (assessed by the Problem Management Plus Suicidality Tool).

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Psychological Distress, Depressive Symptoms, Well-Being, Psychological, earthquake survivor, culturally adapted treatment, mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.