By Susan Heavey
Mental trauma, like many health subjects, can require a special sensitivity to report about, especially when dealing with its victims. Journalists themselves are not immune from the experience of interviewing victims, and may be unsure how to manage their own emotions and response.
Here are some tips for health journalists when interviewing people who have experienced one or more traumatic events.
Minimize harm
The Association of Health Care Journalists, in its Statement of Principles, says that journalists should recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort and that they should “Always consider alternatives that minimize harm while making accurate reporting possible.” The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics includes a detailed list of steps to take to avoid furthering harm, including this:
“Show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with juveniles, victims of sex crimes, and sources or subjects who are inexperienced or unable to give consent. … Consider cultural differences in approach and treatment.”
Also, avoid pandering to lurid curiosity and consider the long-term effects of publication, SPJ advises.
Keep the root cause in mind
Don’t just focus on “bad” behaviors and outcomes. Society, and journalists, often look at the symptoms of trauma that instead of exploring, understanding and ultimately addressing the root causes of such behavior, Dr. Ewald Horwath, who leads Case Western University’s Psychiatry Department, told AHCJ earlier this year. Instead of mentioning it as an afterthought, take time to report on and really explore the root causes of a violent act, including mental illness, he advises.
Watch your emotions
Kathleen Hackett, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), advises reporters that breaking down themselves while listening to a victim’s story can re-traumatize the interviewee. A single tear is okay when interviewing someone who has been victimized, Hackett recently told AHCJ members but “we have to be careful in our response.” Besides affecting your interview, becoming more emotional may cause the interviewee may shut down and stop talking because they fear they are hurting you, she notes.
Don’t assume
Absolve yourself of any preconceived notions, ideas or stereotypes. Victims and perpetrators can be anybody, Hackett said.
Have a plan
The Poynter Institute’s Kristen Hare advises journalists to consider their approach ahead of time and to lay ground rules ahead of time.
Don’t forget the positive
Asking about survival and how someone overcame barriers, what worked and didn’t work, and how they overcome the odds can be powerful, according to Glenda Wrenn, director of behavioral health at Moorehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. She told AHCJ that more attention is being paid to how to treat mental trauma in order to help people deal with the traumatic experience itself, not just its effects.
Take care of yourself
Recognize that journalists are often “first responders,” when first covering local shooting or another kind of traumatic event, says Poynter’s Hare. Be sure to recognize that you are witnessing trauma and seek help when necessary.
Resources
- DART Center for Journalism and Trauma: Based at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, DART offers a wealth of resources on covering traumatic episodes, including disasters, suicide and partner violence. It also gives advice on covering other issues, such as Youth Violence, with a Public Health Frame. The group provides interviewing tips, and a look at the impact of trauma on journalists.
- The Poynter Institute: Poynter offers a free webinar in conjunction with DART aimed at journalists covering traumatic events, from natural disasters to violence. Another webinar also addresses self-care for journalists covering such events, as well as these related tips.
- The Society of Professional Journalists: SPJ is well-known for its guidance for working reporters and editors. The SPJ Code of Ethics offers journalists updated advice on minimizing harms as well as transparency. Check out its Ethics Committee’s position paper: Reporting on Grief, Tragedy and Victims. Selected case studies examine related coverage issues such as whether to name victims of sex crimes or publish photos of drunk drivers.
- The Association of Health Care Journalists offers guidance on ethics and sensitivity in situations that health journalists might encounter in its Statement of Principles. It also has a statement about how journalists should behave when aiding people in distress.
