The Effect of the Sense of Belonging of Ahiska Turks on Self-Esteem: Mixed Method Pattern

Abstract

Objective: Determining the effect of level of belonging, self-esteem and sense of belonging on self-esteem of Ahiska Turks. Methods: Sequential explanatory design was used among mixed method research designs. Quantitative sample of 225 Ahiska Turks and qualitative sample of 25 Ahiska Turks and informed consent were obtained. The quantitative dimension of the research covers the whole of Turkey through the online forum, and the qualitative dimension covers Samsun province, and data were collected between 29.11.2019 and 14.03.2020. "Introductory Information Form", "General Affiliation Scale" and "Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale" for quantitative data, whilst semi-structured interview forms were used for qualitative data collection. SPSS program for quantitative, while the descriptive analysis method was used to evaluate qualitative data analysis. Results: As a result of analyzing data general belonging scale acceptance dimension from its subdimensions 32.69 +/- 6.62 high, rejection size 13.88 +/- 7.37 was found low. Total score of general belonging scale 66.82 +/- 11.57 high, Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) 1.46 +/- 1.42 was detected low. A negative weak relationship between the acceptance sub-dimesion of general belonging scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale r = -0.374, a weak positive relationship r = 0.392 between rejection sub-dimension and a negative significant relationship was found between general belonging scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scaletotal scores (P <.001). In the qualitative study, a semi-structured questionnaire about sense of belonging and self-esteem was done. Depending on the descriptive analysis of qualitative data, four themes were determined; "pride and exile", "individual belonging", "legal status / identity" and "metaphors". Conclusion: Ahiska Turks have high sense of belonging, low self-esteem, and the effect of their sense of belonging on self-esteem by trauma after migration and exile, legal status / identity problems, unrecognizing Ahiska Turks etc. In line with these results, it is thought that Ahiska Turks wil contribute positively to self- esteem by creating psychosocial support programs fort he repair of low self- esteem, prioritizing the educational, executive and advocacy roles of their nurses in the creation of these programs by leading nurses and will increas the recognition of Ahiska Turks.