Working in the Midst of Trauma: Exposure and Coping in News Camera Operators

Abstract

News camera operators are among the first responders to crises, emergencies, and other human suffering. This study is an attempt in the literature to explore trauma exposure and coping in news camera operators who are likely to experience primary and secondary traumatization simultaneously. Qualitative data from 20 news camera operators were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two superordinate themes emerged: (a) physical and psychological impact and (b) strategies of coping. The results highlight challenges associated with the work of news camera operators. Mental health support and training for this group of media professionals are strongly recommended at the undergraduate and/or organizational levels.

Keywords:

• News camera operators
• traumatic stress
• exposure
• secondary traumatization
• qualitative study

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Turkish Association of News Cameramen for their help in data collection, and also Ahmet Ervan for his efforts in transcription of the interviews.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gözde Ikizer

Gözde Ikizer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and currently works as an academic employee at the TOBB University of Economics and Technology. Her clinical and research interests include psychological resilience and traumatic stress. (ORCID-ID: 0000-0003-3567-5991)

A. Nuray Karanci

Ayse Nuray Karanci, PhD, is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology of Middle East Technical University, Turkey. Her clinical and research interests include psychological impact of disasters and psychosocial support. (ORCID-ID: 0000-0003-1632-3851)

Sibel Kocaoglan

Sibel Kocaoglan, MSc, works as staff care officer at the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants. She also volunteers for the Turkish Psychological Association Trauma, Disaster and Crisis Unit and AKUT Search and Rescue Association. Her clinical interests include traumatic stress, secondary traumatization, and coping mechanisms of first responders.