12 Years After Roboski: Prolonged Grief and Posttraumatic Effects

Abstract

Objective: The Roboski massacre, which took place on December 28, 2011, is remembered as a major tragedy resulting from a cross-border operation by the Turkish Air Force that led to the loss of 34 civilians, including 19 children. This event not only caused significant physical losses but also left a profound psychological, social, and political impact on those affected. An enhanced comprehension of prolonged grief disorder’s development can assist professionals in identifying bereaved individuals requiring assistance and augment the efficacy of treatments. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the grief process and symptoms of posttraumatic stress, perceived discrimination, and political trust within the framework of the theory of prolonged grief in a sample of the bereaved family members who lost their relatives in the Roboski massacre almost 12 years postloss. Method: In total, 88 Kurdish individuals (Mage = 37.13, SD = 16.4; 53.4% males) who had lost their close relatives in the Roboski incident in 2011 participated in this study. The Prolonged Grief Scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, the Perceived Discrimination Scale, and the Political Trust Scale were used to collect data. Results: The findings of the study revealed that, even approximately 12 years after the Roboski massacre, a significant portion of the participants continue to experience symptoms of prolonged grief and posttraumatic stress reactions. There was a positive correlation between prolonged grief symptoms and posttraumatic stress reactions (r =.71) as well as perceived discrimination (r =.53). It was also found that the subdimensions of posttraumatic stress, namely “reexperiencing” (β =.19, p <.05), “negative cognitive alterations” (β =.39, p <.05), and “perceived collective discrimination” (β =.11, p <.05), were significant predictors of prolonged grief. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that professionals should focus on identifying bereaved people who experience prolonged grief after a traumatic loss. Targeting these symptoms may alleviate the exacerbation of persistent grief reactions several years after a traumatic loss.Our findings suggest that addressing prolonged grief disorder following a massacre requires a multifaceted approach that includes early intervention, tailored therapeutic strategies, and robust social support systems. By integrating these elements, mental health professionals can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by traumatic loss, facilitating a path toward recovery and resilience. © 2025 American Psychological Association