Primary Appraisals Moderating Between Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Symptoms among Journalists

Abstract

Background. The current research investigated how primary appraisal may affect the relationship between trauma exposure experienced by journalists and their symptoms of mental illness. The cognitive appraisal includes how an individual interprets an adverse event that may partially account for psychopathology. Consistent exposure of journalists to stressful life events increases the likelihood of the occurrence of illness, depression, and other physical and psychological problems.

Method. Participants were requested to complete Journalist Traumatic Exposure Scale (JTES), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Primary Appraisal/Secondary Appraisal Scale (PASA). Personal and professional information was collected using comprehensive demographic sheet.

Results. Results of moderation analysis suggested that the link between trauma exposure and symptoms of mental health was moderated by harm/loss, threat, and challenge appraisal (B interaction = .01, p < .01 for stress, anxiety, & depression), (B interaction = .01, for stress .02, p < .01 for anxiety & depression), (B interaction = -.01, p <. 05 for anxiety) respectively. However, the moderation of challenge appraisal for the association between trauma exposure, stress, and depression was non-significant.

Conclusion. Due to the nature of their job, journalists are constantly exposed to unpleasant incidents, and repeated exposure to such events may lead to underlying mental health issues. Therefore, it is recommended that training be provided to help journalists reframe stressful situations in a positive way, which could potentially lead to less severe mental health consequences.