Journalists' and media professionals' attitudes to PTSD and help-seeking: A descriptive study

Abstract

Background: Journalists may be at risk of developing mental health problems including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their work. Furthermore the literature suggests there may be a “culture of silence” within the profession.

Aim: To investigate journalists' attitudes towards PTSD and help-seeking.

Method: Media professionals, from an international news organization, completed a short self-report questionnaire before attending a 1-day trauma-awareness course. This enquired about the acceptability of various sources of help and the perceived role of immediate supervisors in relation to dealing with trauma-related problems. Participants were also asked about their views regarding help-seeking and PTSD.

Results: The sample (N = 124) were mostly male (64%), worked in news production (75%) and the majority were managers. Most were aged between 35–44 years (50%) and had been employed by the organization for longer than 10 years (66%). Respondents were more likely to turn to family members than managers or colleagues for support after traumatic incidents. Furthermore although respondents held relatively non-stigmatizing attitudes about PTSD, they were less positive about seeking organizational help for trauma-related problems.

Conclusions: We conclude that news organizations should encourage distressed staff to seek help and ensure managers are equipped to deal appropriately with distressed employees.

Keywords:

• Attitudes
• help-seeking
• journalism
• PTSD
• mental health

Conflicts of interest: Mark Brayne is European Director of the DART Centre for Journalism and Trauma and with Neil Greenberg provides occasional paid-for advice and training for the news organization under study.