RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07040462

Child-Parent Psychotherapy After the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

Child-Parent Psychotherapy for Post-Earthquake Trauma in Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Beykoz University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jun 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Emotional Dysregulation Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Complex

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) in reducing trauma-related symptoms and improving attachment quality among preschool-aged children who experienced the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. A total of 60 caregiver-child dyads (children aged 3-6) will be recruited from 11 earthquake-affected provinces. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving 12 weekly CPP sessions, or a no-intervention control group. CPP will be delivered by trained clinical psychologists through either online or face-to-face sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (after session 6), and post-intervention (after session 12). Outcomes include child trauma symptoms, social-emotional functioning, and attachment quality, as well as caregiver reflective functioning, stress, and emotional well-being.

Eligibility

Min Age: 3 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Children aged 3 to 6 years old at the time of enrollment
Resided in one of the 11 cities affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake (e.g., Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Malatya, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Adana, Osmaniye, Diyarbakır, Kilis, Elazığ)
Exposure to at least one qualifying traumatic event due to the earthquake (e.g., witnessing injury or death, loss of home, separation from caregiver)
Living with a primary caregiver (mother or father) who consents to participate in the study
Both caregiver and child are available to participate in 12 weekly sessions of CPP (online or face-to-face)
Caregiver is fluent in Turkish and able to complete self-report questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria5

Child or caregiver currently receiving psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment
Child diagnosed with developmental disorder (e.g., autism, intellectual disability) that significantly impairs communication or relational functioning
Caregiver with a diagnosed severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder) or active substance use disorder
Families with ongoing legal custody disputes or instability that may interfere with consistent participation
Inability to access internet or digital device (for participants randomized to online therapy)

Interventions

BEHAVIORALChild-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

CPP is a structured, evidence-based dyadic therapy designed for children aged 0-6 exposed to trauma and their caregivers. The intervention involves weekly joint sessions emphasizing safety, emotional expression, and caregiver reflective functioning. Delivered by trained psychologists either online or in person.