Study: Photographers and Trauma

A survey of photojournalists showed that the vast majority have been exposed to traumatic events, and that about six percent report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a recently published study by Dart Center researchers.

A survey of photojournalists showed that the vast majority have been exposed to traumatic events, and that about six percent report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a recently published study by Dart Center researchers.

The study, conducted by Dart Research Advisor Elana Newman, Director Roger Simpson, and Dart Fellow David Handschuh, appears in the January 2003 issue of Visual Communication Quarterly.

"The groundbreaking research acknowledges that journalists indeed are first responders, are affected by the stories that we cover and emphasizes the importance of journalists taking care of our own community," said Handschuh. A reporter for the New York Daily News, Handschuh was injured by falling debris while covering the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11.

More than 98 percent of the 874 photojournalists who responded "reported being at the scene of at lease one event in which people were hurt or killed," the study reported. "Covering automobile accidents, fire, and murder were most common; and automobile accidents were most often ranked as the most stressful assignments."

Despite the exposure to trauma, only 11 percent of the photographers surveyed said they had been warned by employers about emotional effects of the job, while 34 percent said they had been warned of physical hazards. Only a quarter reported that their employers had offered counseling.

Newman said the findings have important implications for photographers and news organizations.

"These results suggest that news organizations of all types could implement low cost-effective strategies to readily increase social support among photojournalists," she said.

"Mentoring programs, Email buddy systems for freelance journalists, training about PTSD and support for all members of the industry (management, editors, human resource professionals, photojournalists) can help enhance the health and productivity of all photojournalists."

Newman added that it is also important to remind photojournalists that over time, documenting violence can have negative effects. "Training about this potential, early recognition and prevention, can help photojournalists continue to work productively and do the important work that they do," she said.

Reprints of the VCQ article, "Trauma Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Photojournalists," are available by contacting the Dart Center.