Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Covering Trauma: Impact on Journalists

By River Smith and Elana Newman

An overview of current research on the occupational hazards for journalists covering traumatic events, the risk factors that aggravate those effects and some suggestions for mitigating those factors.

Sociology/Public Policy

A list of academic publications about sociology, social psychology, and psychiatric epidemiology.

Breaking Bad News

VIII. Further Suggestions and The Longer Term

If a crime has been involved, be aware that Police processes can be particularly traumatic.

Self-Study Unit 2: Covering Terrorism

By Elana Newman and Chris Bull

Early live reports of terrorist attacks are sometimes confusing and misleading. Yet there are also extraordinary examples of media excellence, with journalists risking their lives to inform the nation about an unfolding crisis.

Tragedies & Journalists

IV. The Journalist

By Joe Hight and Frank Smyth

Know your limits. If you've been given a troublesome assignment that you feel you cannot perform, politely express your concerns to your supervisor. Tell the supervisor that you may not be the best person for the assignment. Explain why.

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Self-Study Unit 3: Photography & Trauma

V. Tips for Photojournalists

Photojournalists are professionals who adhere to ethical standards that set them apart from the hobbyist taking snap shots while on vacation. National, regional, and news organization-specific guidelines offer photojournalists help in meeting the demands of their job and balancing the challenges from both sides of the lens.

PTSD 101

The Reporter's Humanitarian Role

By Frank Ochberg

Journalists and therapists face similar challenges when they realize their subjects are at risk of further injury. Techniques may differ, but objectives are the same: to inform about sources of help. A therapist is not a lawyer or a security consultant, but a battered woman and an abused child need to know that shelters, restraining orders and a network of advocates are available. Therapy includes such referrals.

Self-Study Unit 2: Covering Terrorism

VI. Care of the Self

By Elana Newman and Chris Bull

Journalists like Arce who were immersed in the events of 9/11 relied upon a variety of coping strategies, of which individual therapy is just one.

Self-Study Unit 1: Journalism & Trauma

IV. Tips on Interviewing

Because of the nature of news, it is likely that a journalist will have to interview trauma victims in the course of his or her work. Interviewing someone who is under psychological stress is difficult for both the interviewee and the interviewer. As interviewers, journalists can help victims and survivors tell their stories in a way that is constructive.

Conflict/Disaster

A list of academic publications that deal with emergency management, conflict resolution, military psychology and medicine, and peace studies.