Communicating without doing harm:a scoping review on media coverage of traumatic events

Abstract

The literature review collected and systematized existing knowledge and experience of effective communication in media outlets about traumatic events with people, guided by the principle of “do no harm”. The essence of this efficiency is that journalists, communicating with respondents, in particular military and civilian, did not injure the heroes of their journalistic materials and the audience. It is also about avoiding stigmatization and re-traumatization during media coverage of traumatic events. The high prevalence and profound effects of PTSD among civilians and journalists in conflict zones alike underscore the need for a conscious approach to the subject and trauma-related events by media outlets. Research has shown, however, that increased and improved knowledge about mental health plays a crucial role in its de-stigmatization. Despite the negative consequences of the influence, the media have the potential to develop appropriate professional recommendations for overcoming the trauma of war based on the experience of covering war events in Ukraine. Key words: communication, traumatic event, re-traumatization, de-stigmatization, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), media coverage.