Navigating the Psychological Landscape: Well-being in Contemporary Türkiye

A youth in Türkiye sits despondently in an urban landscape, capturing the sense of depression and uncertainty among the younger generation.

Author: Şener Cem Irmak, Program Director, PsikolojiPark Akademi

1. Introduction: The Intertwined Landscape of Turkish Society and Psychological Well-being

Contemporary Türkiye presents a complex environment where societal dynamics, including economic conditions and the sociopolitical atmosphere, intersect with individual psychological well-being. Navigating factors such as economic pressures, perceived social uncertainties, and the climate surrounding freedom of expression can influence mental health³⁻⁴,⁶. Experiences related to political events can also leave an imprint on specific groups within the population².

Understanding the interplay between these societal factors and individual mental health is crucial. Research exploring gender differences in health outcomes³, the psychological impact of political stressors², the role of hope and uncertainty⁵⁻⁶, factors influencing expression⁴, and the mechanisms of resilience¹,⁵ sheds light on the challenges and strengths within the population. This article will explore key findings from recent research on psychological well-being in Türkiye, focusing on mental health status, the impact of the sociopolitical climate, self-censorship related to surveillance, socioeconomic influences, and the vital role of resilience.

2. Mental Health Status: Observed Challenges and Differences

Research indicates the presence of mental health challenges within Türkiye, with notable differences across demographic groups. For instance, a study analyzing nationally representative survey data found that Turkish females report lower mental health statuses than Turkish males³. This suggests a gender gap in self-reported psychological well-being exists within the country³. Factors such as hope and perceived uncertainty have also been explored as significant pathways influencing subjective well-being among Turkish adults⁶. While specific prevalence rates require broader epidemiological studies, these findings point towards areas needing attention and support, acknowledging that experiences of well-being are shaped by various intersecting factors including gender and outlook³,⁶.

3. The Sociopolitical Climate: Impact on Specific Groups

The prevailing political environment can significantly affect the well-being of certain populations. A study focusing on the experiences of Academics for Peace in Türkiye documented the substantial negative consequences of political pressure and violence on their physical and mental health². Direct and indirect experiences stemming from political targeting, such as loss of employment, legal challenges, and social difficulties, were linked to trauma, chronic stress, and other mental health problems for this group². This research highlights how specific political events and climates can create profound psychological strain for those directly impacted².

4. The Psychology of Silence: Surveillance and Self-Censorship

In environments where individuals perceive risks associated with free expression, psychological mechanisms like self-censorship may come into play. Research examining Turkish social media users explored the relationship between their perception of government surveillance and their willingness to express opinions online⁴. The findings indicated a negative correlation: as the perceived level of surveillance increased, the inclination to share views on social media platforms decreased⁴. This suggests that concerns about surveillance can contribute to self-censorship among users in the Turkish context⁴. Interestingly, individuals reporting stronger online privacy skills appeared less deterred from expressing opinions, even when perceiving high surveillance levels, implying digital literacy might play a mitigating role⁴.

5. Socioeconomic Realities: Shaping Mental Health Outcomes and Disparities

Economic conditions are closely tied to mental health, and research in Türkiye underscores this connection, particularly concerning gender and income. A study utilizing nationally representative data found a positive relationship between household income level and individuals' mental health status³. Lower income levels were correlated with poorer self-reported mental health³. The study also confirmed the previously mentioned gender gap, with females reporting lower mental health status than males³. Furthermore, employment status showed a differential association: being employed was positively related to the mental health index for Turkish males, but this association was not significant for females³. These findings highlight how socioeconomic factors like income and employment interact with gender to shape mental health outcomes and disparities within Türkiye³. The research also noted that females were more likely to utilize mental health services compared to males³.

6. Finding Strength Within: Understanding and Fostering Resilience

Despite various societal challenges, understanding and fostering psychological resilience is crucial. Resilience involves adapting successfully to adversity and stress. Research on Turkish adolescents identified protective factors operating at multiple levels – individual, family, and school¹. Positive family relationships and supportive school environments emerged as important elements bolstering adolescents' ability to cope¹. Another study, focusing on individuals within the criminal justice system in Türkiye, highlighted hope as a significant factor related to resilience, particularly in the context of adverse childhood experiences⁵. Together, these studies emphasize the importance of support systems and psychological resources like hope in navigating adversity and promoting well-being¹,⁵. Understanding these factors is key to developing interventions aimed at strengthening resilience¹,⁵.

7. Conclusion: Charting a Path Towards Enhanced Psychological Well-being in Türkiye

The psychological well-being of individuals in Türkiye is influenced by a dynamic interplay of factors, as illuminated by recent research. Studies point to gender disparities in mental health status and service use, alongside significant associations with income level and employment³. The sociopolitical climate can exert considerable pressure, with political violence having documented health impacts on specific groups like academics². Furthermore, perceptions of surveillance appear linked to self-censorship tendencies among social media users⁴. Amidst these challenges, psychological resources like hope are important for subjective well-being, especially when facing uncertainty⁵⁻⁶. The capacity for resilience, supported by multi-level factors including family and school environments, is also evident, particularly among adolescents¹.

Enhancing psychological well-being requires acknowledging these complexities. The findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive approaches in mental health considerations, recognizing the different correlates and outcomes observed between males and females³. Addressing the psychological impacts of political stress² and factors influencing self-expression⁴ remain important areas. Finally, fostering resilience through strengthening support systems and promoting psychological resources like hope appears crucial for helping individuals navigate challenges constructively¹,⁵⁻⁶. Continued research focused on these dynamics within the Turkish context is essential for developing effective strategies to support the mental health of the population.

References

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2. Davas, A., & Tanık, F. A. (2024). Impact of Political Violence on Health: The Case of Academics for Peace in Türkiye. International Journal of Social Determinants of Health and Health Services, 54(3), 285–294. https://doi.org/10.1177/27551938231226361

3. Kose, T. (2020). Gender, income and mental health: The Turkish case. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0232344. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232344

4. Oz, M., & Yanik, A. (2022). Fear of surveillance: Examining Turkish social media users’ perception of surveillance and willingness to express opinions on social media. Mediterranean Politics, 29(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/13629395.2022.2046911   

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