چکیده: (16 مشاهده)
Background: Companion animals serve as crucial emotional anchors for humans, particularly in times of crisis. The 2023 Antakya earthquake in Turkey caused not only extensive human casualties and infrastructure destruction However; disasters not only claim human lives but also lead to the loss or forced separation of large numbers of companion animals. Although the importance of the human–animal relationship is increasingly acknowledged in disaster psychology, the emotional and psychological consequences of losing a pet during such events are still not well explored.
Material&Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between February and March 2023 in Antakya, Turkey. Participants were purposively recruited from families who received assistance at mobile veterinary clinics operated by Iranian relief teams. Ten individuals who had lost their companion animals were interviewed using semi-structured guides. Data were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi’s method to identify the core meanings of their lived experiences.
Results: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1. Emotional devastation and grief parallel to human loss participants described intense sadness, guilt, and helplessness comparable to human bereavement; 2. Disruption of daily identity and coping mechanisms the loss of routine caregiving and emotional connection led to feelings of purposelessness and psychological disequilibrium; and 3. Perceived social misunderstanding and isolation participants felt their grief was dismissed or trivialized, exacerbating emotional distress and social withdrawal.
Conclusion: Pet loss during disasters represents a neglected yet significant dimension of human suffering, manifesting as disenfranchised grief. Recognizing and addressing this form of bereavement within disaster mental health frameworks is essential. Integrating animal-related grief support into psychosocial interventions may mitigate long-term trauma and foster more compassionate and resilient post-disaster recovery.
Material&Methods: This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between February and March 2023 in Antakya, Turkey. Participants were purposively recruited from families who received assistance at mobile veterinary clinics operated by Iranian relief teams. Ten individuals who had lost their companion animals were interviewed using semi-structured guides. Data were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi’s method to identify the core meanings of their lived experiences.
Results: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1. Emotional devastation and grief parallel to human loss participants described intense sadness, guilt, and helplessness comparable to human bereavement; 2. Disruption of daily identity and coping mechanisms the loss of routine caregiving and emotional connection led to feelings of purposelessness and psychological disequilibrium; and 3. Perceived social misunderstanding and isolation participants felt their grief was dismissed or trivialized, exacerbating emotional distress and social withdrawal.
Conclusion: Pet loss during disasters represents a neglected yet significant dimension of human suffering, manifesting as disenfranchised grief. Recognizing and addressing this form of bereavement within disaster mental health frameworks is essential. Integrating animal-related grief support into psychosocial interventions may mitigate long-term trauma and foster more compassionate and resilient post-disaster recovery.
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