Trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress, and coping with psychological distress among local journalists

This study examined work-related exposure to trauma, prevalence and severity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and factors associated with PTSD among local journalists in Alabama. The study also investigated coping strategies used by the journalists to deal with psychological distress. Data was collected from a sample of Alabama journalists (n=56) through a web-based questionnaire. All the journalists who participated in the study had covered at least one traumatic event during the last one year. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was high among the participants. The years of experience as a journalist was the only statistically significant factor associated with prevalence of PTSD symptoms. Journalists who had more experience showed fewer symptoms of PTSD. The most common coping strategy used by the journalists was “acceptance” of the reality. The results highlight the importance of providing resources to local journalists to deal with psychological distress.