Williams, S. and Cartwright, T. 2021. Post-traumatic stress, personal risk and post-traumatic growth among UK journalists. European Journal of Psychotraumatology. 12 (1) 1881727. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1881727
| Title | Post-traumatic stress, personal risk and post-traumatic growth among UK journalists |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | Williams, S. and Cartwright, T. |
| Abstract | Background: Journalists covering traumatic news events can develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, they may also experience perceived post-traumatic growth (PTG). The outcome may be affected by whether work-related traumatic stress has a degree of personal risk. Objective: To investigate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG among journalists who experienced work-related trauma and to examine whether positive associations would exist between exposure to personal risk and PTG. Method: A web-based survey measuring post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth was completed by print and broadcast journalists (N = 69) working for UK-based media organizations. An open-ended question asked participants how media organizations can help to promote growth after work-related trauma. Results: The findings show a significant relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG (p = 0.04). Journalists working in war-zones had significantly more PTSD symptoms (p < .001) and PTG scores (p < .001) than those who did not. Journalists who described their worst, work-related trauma as having a degree of personal, life-threatening risk, also reported higher levels of PTG than those who did not (p < .001). This was consistent across all PTG subscales. Conclusions: This study, the first to examine PTSD symptoms, personal risk and post-traumatic growth within journalists, suggests those working in conflict areas experience significantly higher levels of post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, than those who do not. Those who experience personal risk also had high PTG levels. Media companies can help develop PTG by recognizing when personal risk plays a role in covering demanding assignments. Participants suggested organizations also needed to allow sufficient time for reflection and meaning-making for all those working in hostile environments. |
| Article number | 1881727 |
| Journal | European Journal of Psychotraumatology |
| Journal citation | 12 (1) |
| ISSN | 2000-8066 |
| Year | 2021 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Publisher's version | License CC BY-NC 4.0 File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1881727 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 02 Mar 2021 |