1. “The Journalist’s Trauma” School of Journalism Workshop St. Louis Post-Dispatch June 7, 2005 Esther Thorson and Michael Grinfeld Missouri School of Journalism

2. Journalists can become trauma victims simply by doing their jobs There is wide variation in how journalists respond to covering disasters and tragedies Examples include: –No problems –Stress and traumatic stress responses –Compassion stress

3. “No problem” Journalists are trained to deal with violence and destruction They know how to focus on their jobs and not assume the role of law enforcement, medic, or rescuer Journalists can compartmentalize experiences If reporters are affected, they will be taken off the story

4. Stress Responses Can appear as increased drinking, smoking, irritability and other “normal” behaviors (Simpson & Boggs, 1999) “Persistent dissociation” can be a problem for those who “compartmentalize” Insomnia Anxiety Depression Intrusion symptoms like unwanted intense memories

5. Traumatic Stress Events that cause it include traffic crashes, man-made or natural disasters, wartime combat, interpersonal violence, life- threatening medical conditions Emotional effects (Ochberg, 2004): shock, terror, blame, anger, guilt, grief, emotional numbing, helplessness, loss of pleasure from familiar activities

6. Cognitive effects: impaired concentration, confusion, nightmares, decreased self-esteem and self-efficacy Physical effects: fatigue, increased startle response, reduced immune response, headaches, gastrointestinal upset, decreased libido Interpersonal effects: increased social conflict, withdrawal, impaired work performance, increased distrust, externalization of blame

7. “Compassion Stress” Journalist absorbs the trauma as a family member of a victim would Generally caused by empathy to intense emotions Particularly likely when children are victims Can cause “identification” between self and the victim

8. Suggestions from the Experts Reporters should discuss with experienced others what to expect Concentrate on the task at hand Monitor own emotions Debrief with someone after the event is over

9. After the Event: Three Components of Effective Debriefing Speak freely about reactions to the event Listener should affirm the value of those reactions Listener should encourage extended forms of self-care

10. Helpful References William Cote & Roger Simpson (2000), Covering violence: A guide to ethical reporting about victims and trauma. New York: Columbia University Press. Hight, Joe, & Smyth, Frank (2004). Tragedies and journalists. Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, University of Washington.

11. Additional references Media Advisory from the American Psychiatric Association (lavender handout in your folder) Dart Center’s curriculum on traumatic stress and news professionals: http://www.dartcenter.org/curriculum/ module1/content_main_intro.html