SANTA BARBARA, CA (August 17, 2007) - A recent online survey of photojournalists shows that a majority believe that traumatic stress is an under-addressed problem in the news industry, that they currently feel or have felt the effects of work-related traumatic stress, and that there's an inadequate understanding of traumatic stress in the workplace.
In July, photojournalist Eric Reed asked photographers around the world to participate in an online research survey on the effects of traumatic stress on photojournalists. The survey was part of his masters degree thesis project at Brooks Institute of Photography. The results have been compiled, and now Reed is sharing what he learned with the photojournalism community.
For the purpose of his research, Reed said that traumatic stress was defined as "personally witnessing emotionally disturbing situations on the job not limited to a conflict or war zone. You have witnessed intense emotional experiences during the course of your career. Incidents include, but are not limited to, any type of physical accident causing death or injury; covering victims of violence in any aspect; or following a tragic story about a subject you may identify with."
Nearly 800 people took part in Reed's survey, and more than 47 percent said they had more than 16 years experience as photojournalists. Nearly 60 percent of the respondents worked for newspapers, and 40 percent of the people taking the survey said they were well versed in the symptoms of stress on their body and mind.
More than 61 percent of those who responded felt that traumatic stress is an under-addressed problem in journalism, and nearly the same number believes there's an inadequate understanding of the problem in their workplaces. Nearly 62 percent said they do not know if there's a workplace support system already established if they need it, and if there is a workplace support system in place 59 percent said the the staff does not know how to access it.
More than 76 percent of those responding said they currently feel, or have felt in the past, the effects of work-related traumatic stress. When photojournalists do need support for stress-related issues, more than 45 percent of those who took the survey said they rely on their peers, who are not formally trained in the topic of stress. Nearly half of those participating said they would take advantage of formal counseling services if they were available.
The survey asked if the subject of traumatic stress had been addressed when they were photojournalism students, and more than 90 percent responded that it had not been explored as part of their education. And if it was discussed in an academic setting, the major of respondents said the level of coverage had been very poor.
Some 38 percent of those responding felt that there is a stigma attached to mental health treatment in their workplace, but the majority of them said that doesn't prevent them from seeking treatment.
An Adobe Acrobat .PDF file of the complete results of Reed's survey is available here. For more information contact Reed at eric.reed@my.brooks.edu.
