Experiences of migrant seasonal agricultural worker mothers in earthquakes: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Objective: Seasonal agricultural migration leads to both economic hardship and humanitarian challenges. Individuals involved in this migration face severe poverty and deprivation, with mothers critical participants in agrarian work, being especially vulnerable due to challenging conditions and family responsibilities. This study explores the experiences of migratory seasonal agricultural worker mothers and their children, particularly how the earthquake in Turkey impacted them on February 6, 2023. Method: This descriptive phenomenological study was conducted with seasonal agricultural worker mothers who participated in hazelnut harvest in northern Turkey between August and September 2023. Study data were obtained from 22 mothers who agreed to participate. Data were analyzed using the MAXQDA 2022 qualitative data analysis program. Results: It has been determined that the earthquake affects both mothers and children, creates confusion in mothers, creates fear, anxiety, and insecurity in children, and causes behavioral problems such as insomnia and loss of appetite. It has also been determined that positive changes occur in mothers’ parenting practices and strengthen family ties. It has been revealed that mothers derive their psychological resilience from their belief systems and social interactions. Conclusions: It was concluded that earthquake experiences positively and negatively affected migratory seasonal agricultural worker mothers and caused emotional and behavioral problems in children.