Beyond the Pen Point – The Psychological Impact of Covering Disasters on Journalists
Date Issued
2009
Date
2009
Author(s)
Lu, Christine I-hsin
Abstract
This report looks at the psychological adjustment of journalists after covering disasters. From a clinical perspective, journalists could be at risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, substance abuse, and other psychological conditions. These conditions have been documented in studies of journalists covering stories in war zones, and also in other circumstances where they witness human tragedies such as the September 11 attacks. When disaster happens, journalists play many roles at the same time: an observer, a witness to history, a human being looking at other distressed human beings, and sometimes a victim themselves. It is important to raise awareness so that journalists know how they can protect themselves and their interviewees in a disaster. While the same event may cause different psychological responses for different individuals, factors triggering emotional impacts are explored. Through the stories of journalists with various years of experience and the events they witnessed, this in-depth report shows the current situation of how journalists deal with troubled emotions, and develop coping strategies and defense mechanisms. The risk factors, the impact of repeated exposure in disaster reporting, and the available resources in Taiwan are discussed.
Subjects
Disaster Reporting
Journalists
Trauma
Psychological Impact
Resilience
SDGs
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