Author

Susan Hale

Date of Award

11-28-2007

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Greg Lisby - Chair

Second Advisor

Yuki Fujioka

Third Advisor

Merrill Morris

Abstract

Established research on certain professions – such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency rescue workers (also called "first responders") – suggests that psychological trauma is related to traumatic events experienced on the job. This has led to research on journalists who have experienced comparable psychological effects due to repeated traumatic exposure that comes from reporting on crimes, murders, car accidents, natural disasters, or other stressful situations – the same events experienced by first responders. This study examines public information officers and any similar psychological effects since this occupational group is a near professional cousin to journalists. Using an online survey, public information officers' exposure to traumatic events experienced on the job was measured as well as the frequency and intensity of trauma exposure.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/1061299

Included in

Communication Commons

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