Psychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation for Earthquake Survivors

This randomized controlled study evaluated whether a structured program combining psychoeducation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques could reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and improve sleep quality among adult earthquake survivors living in temporary accommodation in Malatya, Türkiye.

A total of 90 participants were randomly assigned in equal numbers to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group attended six face-to-face group sessions delivered twice weekly over three weeks. The program included education about trauma and stress, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, coping strategies, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, positive imagery, and guidance for continued practice. The control group received no structured intervention and continued its usual daily routine.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality were assessed before and after the intervention using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The study compared changes in these outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

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Key information

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms Dyssomnias Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Poor Sleep Quality Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders Sleep Wake Disorders

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Malatya Teknokent Temporary Accommodation Center

Malatya, 44330, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Experienced the February 6, 2023 earthquakes
Aged 18 to 65 years
Able to read and understand Turkish
Provided written informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria

Incomplete or invalid questionnaires
Inability to attend the intervention sessions regularly
Self-reported history of a severe psychiatric diagnosis

Treatment and study plan

Psychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation Program

Behavioral

Participants attended six face-to-face group sessions delivered twice weekly over three weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60-75 minutes. The program included psychoeducation about trauma and stress responses, diaphragmatic breathing with approximately 4 seconds of inhalation and 6-8 seconds of exhalation, progressive muscle relaxation, adaptive coping strategies, sleep hygiene, cognitive restructuring, positive imagery, and relapse-prevention guidance. Participants were encouraged to practice diaphragmatic breathing for at least 10 minutes daily and to use the relaxation techniques before sleep. Make-up sessions were offered when necessary.

Primary outcomes

Change in Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Assessed by the PTSD-SS

Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 3-week intervention

Post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Short Scale (PTSD-SS). Each item is scored from 0 to 4, producing a total score ranging from 0 to 36. Higher scores indicate more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment was evaluated.
Change in Sleep Quality Assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 3-week intervention

Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The PSQI consists of seven component scores and produces a total score ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality, and scores above 5 indicate poor sleep quality. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment was evaluated.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Rana Ceviz

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Psychoeducation-Supported Breathing and Relaxation Exercises on Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Earthquake Survivors

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Aug 24, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed