“If It Bleeds It Leads”: The Visual Witnessing Trauma Phenomenon Among Journalists in East Africa

• Published in: Journalism & mass communication educator Vol. 79; no. 3; pp. 287 - 305
• Main Author: Radoli, Lydia Ouma
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2024; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Journalism; Journalists; Occupational psychology; Trauma; Violence; East Africa; 目击; witnessing; testimonios; الصدمات النفسية; الصحافة; témoignage; المرئيات; East African journalists; 视觉; journalisme; свидетельство; trauma; visuels; الشهود; журналистика; 创伤; visuals; periodistas de África Oriental; визуальные эффекты; травма; 东非记者们; journalism; الصحفيين من شرق أفريقيا; visuales; журналисты Восточной Африки; 新闻业; journalistes d’Afrique de l’Est; periodismo
• ISSN: 1077-6958; 2161-4326
• DOI: 10.1177/10776958241242941

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.