GIJC15

The old model of PTSD suggests that trauma trouble starts when a sense of overwhelming threat breaks down people’s natural defences. But the picture is more complicated. Ethics also matters. New research on journalists suggests that shame and guilt for making ill-judged approaches to sources also effects wellbeing. And are we too pessimistic about the long-term corrosive impact of trauma exposure? Studies into a phenomenon called post-traumatic growth is suggesting that trauma exposure for journalists may even carry some benefits.  This discussion will look at recent research and ask what relevance it has for working journalists.