Capturing Youth Perceptions of Disasters Through Photovoice: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to explore how young people identify and interpret disasters to provide a youth-centered and culturally sensitive understanding of resilience and preparedness. Utilizing Photovoice narrated by undergraduate students in Türkiye, disasters were conceptualized not merely as physical events but as emotionally, symbolically, and socially disruptive experiences. Using participant-generated photographs and focus group discussions, a reflexive thematic analysis created three interrelated themes: disasters as existential and symbolic rupture; post-disaster psychological and social reconstruction; and social responsibility and preparedness. These demonstrate that young people experience disasters as complex processes involving trauma, loss, solidarity, ethical reflection, and collective meaning-making. Instead of framing hope and love as discrete emotional expressions, analysis highlighted them as relational and moral orientations that emerge within post-disaster social contexts. The findings underscore the importance of integrating emotional, ethical, and experiential perspectives into disaster education and preparedness frameworks to support more inclusive and resilient communities.