Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder among regional journalists in Pakistan. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Sayyed Fawad Ali; Jan, Faizullah; Ginossar, Tamar; McGrail, J. Patrick; Baber, Danish; Ullah, Rahman
• Is Part Of: Journalism. Volume 23:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 391
• Page End: 408
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Health/mental health -- international/transnational journalism -- journalism -- journalism (profession) -- local journalism; Journalism -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 070.405
• DOI: 10.1177/1464884920965783
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-8849

Abstract

This study sought to examine work-related exposure to trauma and predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among regional journalists in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, a conflict-ridden area in northwest Pakistan. We recruited 216 KP journalists. Analysis of the surveys revealed a high prevalence of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms. All of the participants had covered at least one trauma inducing event. Exposure to work-related trauma, active emotional coping and avoidant emotional coping were statistically significant factors associated with PTSD symptoms. This study is the first to highlight the severity of the impact of trauma on regional journalists in Pakistan.