Abstract:

In this study, it was investigated whether the levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and life satisfaction differ according to how Syrian refugees experience various traumatic experiences. Also,it has been investigated whether the life satisfaction of Syrian refugees varies according to the presence of post-traumatic symptom disorder or not. The data collection form used in this study is comprised of a total of 4 chapters; namely ‘‘Socio-Demographic Form, Traumatic Events List, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)’’. A pilot application was carried out with a group of 32 Syrian refugees to test the measurement instruments' compliance with standard Arabic. The research participants consisted of 590 Syrian refugees over the age of 18. Of the participants, 325 are female Syrian refugees while 265 are male Syrian refugees. As a result of the research, it was found that the refugees who experienced/witnessed various traumatic events had significantly higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder than those who were not exposed in all other situations except the bombing of the city. In addition, while a significant positive difference was observed between exposure to certain traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder level, a significant negative difference was observed between life satisfaction level. In addition, the life satisfaction levels of the refugees who showed symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were lower than the refugees who did not show the symptoms. The findings of the study were evaluated in the discussion section within the framework of the relevant literature. It is suggested that positive psychology variables such as hope, quality of life, and psychological resilience should be addressed for future scientific studies with refugees.

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