The Psychological Impact of Losing Pets in the 2023 Antakya Earthquake
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- 2Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Faculty of Nursing, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- 3Nursing and midwifery care research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- 4Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- 5Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, Miandoab School of Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Companion animals serve as crucial emotional anchors for humans, particularly in times of crisis. The 2023 Antakya earthquake in Turkey caused extensive casualties and infrastructure destruction. However, disasters not only claim human lives but also result in 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 remain insufficiently explored. Materials and 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 using Colaizzi’s method to identify the core meanings of the participants’ lived experiences. Results: The analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1. 1. Emotional devastation and grief parallel to human loss: Participants described intense sadness, guilt, and helplessness comparable to those experienced during 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 that 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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BibTeX
@article{salehi2026psychological,
title = {{The Psychological Impact of Losing Pets in the 2023 Antakya Earthquake}},
author = {Hossein Salehi and SiminTaj Sharififar and Sakineh Sharifian and Arasb Dabbagh Moghaddam and Saeed Nazari and Hamid Karimi Kivi},
journal = {Health in Emergencies \& Disasters Quarterly},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Psychological Impact of Losing Pets in the 2023 Antakya Earthquake
AU - Hossein Salehi
AU - SiminTaj Sharififar
AU - Sakineh Sharifian
AU - Arasb Dabbagh Moghaddam
AU - Saeed Nazari
AU - Hamid Karimi Kivi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Health in Emergencies & Disasters Quarterly
AB - Background: Companion animals serve as crucial emotional anchors for humans, particularly in times of crisis. The 2023 Antakya earthquake in Turkey caused extensive casualties and infrastructure destruction. However, disasters not only claim human lives but also result in 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 remain insufficiently explored. Materials and 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 using Colaizzi’s method to identify the core meanings of the participants’ lived experiences. Results: The analysis revealed three overarching themes: 1. 1. Emotional devastation and grief parallel to human loss: Participants described intense sadness, guilt, and helplessness comparable to those experienced during 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 that 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.
SN - 2345-4210
ER -