Exploring the key drivers of spontaneous volunteering in disaster settings: the case of Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

KOCAMAN R., Kir Paksoy H., BENLİ B.

INTERNATIONAL REVIEW ON PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT MARKETING, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

Abstract

Spontaneous volunteering is increasingly vital in disaster response. Following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquakes, one of T & uuml;rkiye's largest volunteer mobilizations, unaffiliated individuals self-deployed to assist despite formal systems. The purpose of this study is to explore their psychological dynamics, processes, and coordination. Regarding methodology, this study draws on focus groups with 24 volunteers and participant observation in the earthquake zone, utilizing reflexive thematic analysis. The findings show that shared trauma and altruistic identity drove action; peer networks and digital tools enabled coordination; and institutional gaps hindered integration until volunteers became mission-aligned contributors. The originality of this study lies in its holistic reflection on spontaneous volunteers' broader experiences encompassing motives, barriers, and coping mechanisms and embedding these elements into established theoretical frameworks such as self-determination and social capital theories. For practical and theoretical implications, the study enriches crisis volunteerism models and offers actionable guidance for disaster managers on reception protocols, peer leadership, and psychosocial support to safely harness volunteer energy in seismic crises.