Abstract

This study aimed to identify distinct latent profiles based on posttraumatic stress symptoms(PTSS) and mental well-being among residents who experienced an earthquake in Pohang, South Korea in 2017, and to determine the predictors of profile membership. Additionally, we examined the differences among the latent profiles in terms of depressive symptoms and daily functional impairment. A total of 242 residents who had experienced the Pohang earthquake completed questionnaires assessing PTSS, mental well-being, psychological inflexibility, posttraumatic negative beliefs, depressive symptoms, daily functional impairment, and demographic variables(gender, age, educational level, and family income). A three-step latent profile analysis was utilized. Three profiles were identified: a ‘moderately mentally healthy group’, ‘partial PTSD with languishing group’, and ‘full PTSD with languishing group’. Gender and age partially contributed to profiles classification, and psychological inflexibility and posttraumatic negative beliefs predicted all profile memberships. Furthermore, both depressive symptoms and daily functional impairment were significantly different among the three groups. The results of this study provide empirical evidence to help identify high-risk groups among those who have experienced an earthquake, and establish tailored treatment interventions and strategies for each latent profile.