'If It Bleeds It Leads': The Visual Witnessing Trauma Phenomenon among Journalists in East Africa

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  • Author(s): Lydia Ouma Radoli (ORCID Lydia Ouma Radoli (ORCID 0000-0002-0853-6569)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journalism and Mass Communication Educator. 2024 79(3):287-305.
  • Publication Date:
    2024
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://sagepub.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      19
    • Subject Terms:
      Foreign Countries; Journalism; Trauma; Emotional Adjustment; Mental Health; Visual Stimuli; Visual Perception; Coping; Psychological Services
    • Subject Terms:
      Kenya; Rwanda; Uganda
    • Accession Number:
      10.1177/10776958241242941
    • ISSN:
      1077-6958
      2161-4326
    • Abstract:
      The paradox of documenting history through gruesome visuals depicting the prominence of stories intrigues media researchers. Foundational work on the dual representation theory explains trauma transference to brain functions following disturbing emotional triggers. The analysis suggests an existing link between exposure to disturbing information and trauma. In East Africa, trauma and related psychological effects thrive amid rigid newsroom structures devoid of intervention mechanisms. The scarcity of trauma mitigations is not just an issue in journalism, but in society, as mental health concerns and other deprivations become common. Data from in-depth interviews with journalists reporting trauma in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda indicate a positive correlation between a heightened frequency of exposure to violent visuals and an increased manifestation of trauma. Data also show a dearth in psychosocial support, indicating a need for alternative mitigation strategies.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2024
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1436472