Evaluation of Life Satisfaction after the 2011 Van (Turkey) Earthquake

I examined the level and predictors of life satisfaction among 504 participants who had experienced the 2011 Van (Turkey) earthquake (hit group), and 326 participants who, living in another city, had not (nonhit group). Participants completed measures of overall life satisfaction, belief in a just world, and hope. Results of group comparisons revealed that the hit group had significantly lower life satisfaction than did the nonhit group. Further, the life satisfaction of the hit group was significantly and positively associated with general belief in a just world, personal belief in a just world, and hope, whereas the significant correlations for the nonhit group existed between life satisfaction and general and personal belief in a just world. According to the regression results of the hit group, participants with high general belief in a just world, personal belief in a just world, and hope can be assumed to be more satisfied with their lives.