Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Children and Media Coverage of Trauma

By Christina Cantrell and Elana Newman

An overview of current research on the short- and long-term impacts of media coverage of tragedy on children, as well as aggravating risk factors and suggestions for future research.

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.

PTSD 101

The Syndrome

By Frank Ochberg

PTSD is three reactions at once, all caused by an event that terrifies, horrifies or renders one helpless.

Self-Study Unit 3: Photography & Trauma

I. The History of Photojournalism

When specific photographs become symbolic of a particular event, triggering the public's memory (and related feelings and emotions) about that period in time, we can refer to them as enduring historical icons.

Tragedies & Journalists

I. Interviewing

By Joe Hight and Frank Smyth

Always treat victims with dignity and respect - the way you want to be treated in a similar situation. Journalists will always seek to approach survivors, but reporters should do it with sensitivity, including knowing when and how to back off.

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Self-Study Unit 2: Covering Terrorism

I. What is Terrorism?

Sept. 11, 2001, was a particularly diabolical instance of terrorism. But there are many forms of terror. Some are so much a part of our ordinary lives that we hardly recognize them as such.

Breaking Bad News

I. Key Points

The moment when someone is notified of the death of a close family member can be the most important in their lives.

Self-Study Unit 1: Journalism & Trauma

III. Why Traumatic Stress?

Many journalists who cover "hard news" will come into contact with people who have experienced a traumatic event. At the scene of a fatal car collision, for example, or a neighborhood shooting, or an apartment fire, there are likely to be people present who are suffering from traumatic stress. These same people may also be important sources of news for their community — people who, despite their pain, can help tell the story of a tragedy as it is unfolding.

Psychology/Psychiatry

A list of academic publications with a primary focus on psychiatry and psychology.

Breaking Bad News

VI. Practical Details

Ask the family if there is anyone else they want to contact, or to be with them there now, and how your organisation might help.