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Journalism and Media
Special Issues
Mental Health in the Headlines
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Mental Health in the Headlines

A special issue of Journalism and Media (ISSN 2673-5172).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (12 January 2026) | Viewed by 18485

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chelsea Reynolds

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ASU California Center, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Arizona State University, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Interests: alternative media; critical discourse analysis; cultural and critical studies; journalism; law and policy; LGBTQIA+; mental health; qualitative methods; sexual communication; sexuality; surveillance; theories of power; trauma
Prof. Jesús Ayala Rico

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Communications, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA
Interests: bilingual journalism education; political reporting; immigration and border issues, Latin-American politics; Latinos in media; trauma & journalism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The journal Journalism and Media requests submissions to a Special Issue on the topic of mental health in media professions. Against the backdrop of decreasing trust in news, increasing political polarization, and public scepticism about the role of journalism in democracy, the reputation of our profession is in peril. Violence against journalism is at an all-time high, with 120+ journalists murdered globally in 2024—the highest number ever reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (2024). At the same time, journalists uphold the enduring responsibility of the Fourth Estate, seeking to check and balance government during a time of intense international turmoil. The risks of reporting are high.

And yet we have an ethical responsibility to the public to seek truth and report it and to cover current events with sensitivity and transparency. Whether through coverage of natural disasters, human-made catastrophe, or political upheaval, many reporters face challenges to their mental health as a necessary outcome of the job. Studies show that over 30% of journalists report depression (Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, 2019), 25% report anxiety (Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 2021), and 15% report substance abuse issues (Pew Research Center, 2020). The systemic health outcomes may be exacerbated by financial precarity in the field. As the economic foundations of advertising-funded news models fail, reporters report low salaries and record layoffs, compromising many potential reporters’ ability to pursue this work.

This Special Issue will engage with four areas of mental health in journalism: (1) the systemic factors that influence journalists’ mental health, (2) journalists’ experiences covering difficult topics and adverse mental health outcomes in the profession, (3) representations of mental health in news stories or media content, and (4) the impacts of mental health storytelling on audiences or communities.

Methodological Approaches

We are looking for analyses that have practical applications within and outside academia. This Special Issue welcomes research in the humanistic and social science traditions, including qualitative and quantitative work. Newsroom ethnographies, survey research, framing studies, content analyses, auto-ethnography, and critical–theoretical essays are encouraged. We are especially interested in highlighting work related to mental health and its intersections with race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social class.

Topics of Interest

We invite contributions exploring various aspects of trauma and resilience including, but not limited to, the following:

  • The mental health experiences of women, LGBTQ reporters, and reporters of color.
  • The impact of trolling, bullying, and/or harassment on the mental health of journalists who cover politics and/or diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • The current state of mental health awareness, training, and literacy inside newsrooms, including case studies of media organizations which are promoting workplace wellbeing.
  • Discourse analyses of legacy and community news stories related to mental health and the historical changes in media framing of mental health issues.
  • The role of newsroom culture on mental health, including the pressures of deadlines, competition, and the challenge of maintaining work–life balance.
  • Case studies of journalists or journalism influencers who use their platform to raise awareness of mental health issues or share their personal experiences with mental health challenges.
  • Traumatic exposure for journalists who cover natural disasters and mass shootings, as well as mental health outcomes in impacted communities.
  • The relationship between the fast-paced and demanding nature of journalism and negative health outcomes such as burnout and chronic stress.
  • The ethics of reporting on suicide, PTSD, and other sensitive mental health topics.
  • The mental health challenges faced by freelance journalists, including lack of job security, health insurance, and access to mental health resources.

Submission Guidelines

Upon selection, scholars will be invited to submit full papers. Full papers should not exceed 8,000 words, including references. All submissions will undergo rigorous full blind peer review based on originality, theoretical contribution, methodological rigor, and practical significance in accordance with the peer-review procedure of Journalism and Media (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/journalmedia/instructions). Manuscripts will be submitted through the journal’s website. Authors must indicate that they wish to have their manuscript considered for this Special Issue.

References:

Committee to Protect Journalists (2024). 2024 is the Deadliest Year for Journalists in CPJ History; almost 70% killed by Israel. [cpj.org]

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma (2019). The Emotional Toll of Journalism: A Study of Journalists' Mental Health. Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. [dartcenter.org]

Pew Research Center (2020). The State of the News Media 2020. Pew Research Center. [pewresearch.org]

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (2021). Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions 2021. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. [reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk]

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this important and timely Special Issue on Mental Health in the Headlines.

Dr. Chelsea Reynolds
Guest Editor

Prof. Jesús Ayala Rico
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journalism and Media is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • burnout
  • chronic stress
  • journalism
  • mental health
  • newsroom cultures
  • workplace wellbeing
  • trauma

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  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 254 KB  
Article
The Role of Ghanaian Media Organisations in Fostering Resilience Against PTSD: The Case of Multimedia Group Limited
by Gifty Appiah-Adjei
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020078 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 492
Abstract
Negativity as a news value in journalism often implies direct or indirect exposure of journalists to traumatic events in the course of their duties. Hence, the need for resiliency and protection of journalists through organisational support has been advanced in the literature, especially [...] Read more.
Negativity as a news value in journalism often implies direct or indirect exposure of journalists to traumatic events in the course of their duties. Hence, the need for resiliency and protection of journalists through organisational support has been advanced in the literature, especially by Global North scholars. However, there seems to be a dearth of such studies within the African context, especially in Ghana. Therefore, this study employs a qualitative approach and case study design to gather data through a focus group discussion with purposively selected officials and interviews with two former journalists with traumatic experience from Multimedia Group Limited to investigate how institutional response to traumatic experience enhances or undermines the psychological well-being of journalists. Data gathered were thematically analysed through the lens of the organisational support theory. Findings reveal that the company is yet to have an institutionalised mental well-being policy. However, it depends on discretion and the severity of traumatic experience to offer support to the journalists before, during and after coverage of traumatic events in an ad hoc manner. The discretionary basis for the support gives room for unhealthy comparisons and subjective interpretations of support given to journalists with traumatic experiences by the company. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
18 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Female Journalists in Zambia and the Trauma and Toll of Reporting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Elastus Mambwe and Lisa Kalungwana
Journal. Media 2026, 7(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020076 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 718
Abstract
This article examines the experiences of female journalists reporting on and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia, focusing on the impact on their mental well-being and the role gender plays in shaping this experience. Employing a qualitative study design with purposefully sampled in-depth [...] Read more.
This article examines the experiences of female journalists reporting on and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia, focusing on the impact on their mental well-being and the role gender plays in shaping this experience. Employing a qualitative study design with purposefully sampled in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study explores the perceived trauma of covering the pandemic, identifies coping strategies and support networks employed, and highlights the challenges at the intersection of gender, mental health, and journalism. The findings reveal that female journalists experienced profound trauma and stress, navigating professional risk alongside gendered domestic responsibilities with minimal institutional support. The study demonstrates three critical failures: media organisations’ neglect of reporter mental health, persistent gender biases shaping assignment practices, and absent structural support systems forcing reliance on individual coping strategies. This research highlights underrepresented African voices and provides crucial insights to inform evidence-based policies and initiatives promoting resilience and care for female journalists navigating occupational challenges in Zambia and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
15 pages, 260 KB  
Article
‘Don’t Risk Your Life’: How BIPOC Journalists Navigate Identity, Newsroom Routines, and Safety in U.S. Broadcast News
by Kristina Vera-Phillips
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010064 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 783
Abstract
This article examines how newsroom routines shape the health, safety, and professional experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) journalists in U.S. broadcast news. While journalistic norms of objectivity and neutrality often frame risk as evenly shared, this study situates safety [...] Read more.
This article examines how newsroom routines shape the health, safety, and professional experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) journalists in U.S. broadcast news. While journalistic norms of objectivity and neutrality often frame risk as evenly shared, this study situates safety within routine newsroom practices to show how risk and institutional support are unevenly distributed, particularly during high-stakes coverage such as protests, door-knocks, and politically charged events. The analysis draws on qualitative, in-depth interviews conducted as part of a larger study on journalists’ identities and definitions of fairness and applies a critical framework attentive to power and postcolonial influences in newsroom organizations. Findings indicate that BIPOC journalists routinely navigate tensions between production demands and personal safety, with their lived experiences in the field frequently diverging from the assumptions of white colleagues and newsroom leadership. Participants describe adapting newsroom routines by setting boundaries, asserting professional judgment, and challenging unsafe expectations. These practices illuminate how newsroom routines are both sites of constraint and negotiation. This article concludes that attention to identity and power within newsroom routines is essential for understanding how fairness, safety, and ethical practice are enacted in contemporary broadcast journalism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
16 pages, 1116 KB  
Article
“Somebody Get Me Some Prozac!”: Trivializing Language and the Stigma of Drug Brand Names
by Tara Walker and Conor Amendola
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010063 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1016
Abstract
This study looks at a selection of newspaper content from 1995 to 2024 that mentions the names of SSRI drugs in passing as jokes, metaphors, or cultural references. These passing mentions of SSRIs are analyzed via qualitative textual analysis, considering stigma and trivialization. [...] Read more.
This study looks at a selection of newspaper content from 1995 to 2024 that mentions the names of SSRI drugs in passing as jokes, metaphors, or cultural references. These passing mentions of SSRIs are analyzed via qualitative textual analysis, considering stigma and trivialization. The results of the study suggest that stereotypes about SSRIs have been cemented via popular discourse and media coverage and persist today despite nearly 40 years of prescriptions. Mentions of the SSRI drugs in passing suggest the illusion of a post-Prozac society where mental illness has been “fixed” and therefore can be trivialized with little consequence. This work expands upon existing theoretical concepts to propose a new theoretical model—a continuum of trivialization and stigma which may aid researchers in parsing the ways that colloquialization, trivialization and stigma interact and overlap in media texts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
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14 pages, 294 KB  
Article
Journalists’ Experiences of Online Harassment: Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress
by Margaret R. Grundy, Elana Newman and Autumn Slaughter
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010062 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 930
Abstract
Online harassment is a pervasive occupational hazard for journalists, often precipitating psychological distress. However, little is known about the specific clinically significant psychological symptoms journalists may experience following online harassment and how it predicts diagnosable clinical disorders. This study examines the relationship between [...] Read more.
Online harassment is a pervasive occupational hazard for journalists, often precipitating psychological distress. However, little is known about the specific clinically significant psychological symptoms journalists may experience following online harassment and how it predicts diagnosable clinical disorders. This study examines the relationship between online harassment and (1) scores on validated clinical measures of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms and (2) probable generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder using established clinical cutoffs among 282 American women journalists. Journalists were recruited through a series of emails, Facebook advertisements, and Facebook posts. They completed an online survey that included questions about demographics, online harassment experiences, and three standardized measures of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (CES-D-10), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PCL-5). In this sample, 91.5% of journalists reported experiencing at least one instance of online harassment over the past 12 months; 41.8% reported probable generalized anxiety, 67.8% probable depression, and 15.6% probable PTSD. Cumulative online harassment burden predicted higher anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress scores and significantly predicted the odds of meeting the clinical cutoff for probable generalized anxiety disorder and probable PTSD. Interventions designed to target these specific reactions may be useful in treating journalists exposed to online harassment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
18 pages, 564 KB  
Article
Technostress Is the (Re)new(ed) Normal: How Journalists Manage Technological Innovation
by Cassandra Hayes
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010044 - 24 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1108
Abstract
Journalism is an inherently fast-paced and pressure-filled profession with features such as industry competition and reporting on traumatic events that can cause mental health issues for journalists. However, little work has examined the extent to which rapid implementation of new technologies might also [...] Read more.
Journalism is an inherently fast-paced and pressure-filled profession with features such as industry competition and reporting on traumatic events that can cause mental health issues for journalists. However, little work has examined the extent to which rapid implementation of new technologies might also contribute to the stress that journalists experience. In this study, I carried out qualitative interviews with working journalists to understand how they manage technostress in their work. The journalists’ experiences indicated that they approach technostress based on different levels within the decision-making process to adopt, reinvent, or reject an innovation. At the individual professional level, journalists used the strategies to adapt and alter technology for their needs and implement new tools when meeting timeliness, not just deadlines; at the social connection level, journalists built off educational encouragement through personal experimentation and engaged with mentors, coworkers, and audience for support; and at the foundational meaning level, journalists took breaks from technologies while acknowledging their downsides and kept humanity at the center of journalistic work. These findings contribute to diffusion of innovations theory by focusing on the ongoing decisions made to manage adverse impacts of a new tool being adopted. Further, the findings showcase that humanity remains central to the journalistic enterprise even in the technology-saturated digital age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
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17 pages, 270 KB  
Article
Covering Student Death by Suicide: A Case Study on College Student Newspapers Navigating the News and Its Aftermath
by Ashley Jost and Kelsey R. Mesmer
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010042 - 21 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1068
Abstract
To understand how student journalists handle news coverage surrounding suicide, this study took a case study approach and analyzed how two student newspaper staffs at U.S.-based universities reported on the topic throughout the 2022–2023 academic year, in which multiple student deaths by suicide [...] Read more.
To understand how student journalists handle news coverage surrounding suicide, this study took a case study approach and analyzed how two student newspaper staffs at U.S.-based universities reported on the topic throughout the 2022–2023 academic year, in which multiple student deaths by suicide occurred on each campus. Guided by the literature on trauma in journalism and the Communication Theory of Coping, and through interviews with reporters, editors, and the newspapers’ advisors and a thematic analysis of the newspapers’ coverage during that academic year, we were able to glean insight into how coverage decisions were made, how students navigated such a sensitive topic, and how they enacted care for each other during and after the coverage period. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of the newspaper advisor in helping students navigate such sensitive reporting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
18 pages, 298 KB  
Article
The Emotional Toll of Conflict Reporting: Institutional, Cultural, and Audience Pressures in Pakistani Journalism
by Rahman Ullah and Faizullah Jan
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010041 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1335
Abstract
This study explores how institutional- and ideological-level pressures affect both the gatekeeping role and mental well-being of journalists reporting on traumatic incidents, particularly war, conflict, and crime in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on in-depth interviews with (n [...] Read more.
This study explores how institutional- and ideological-level pressures affect both the gatekeeping role and mental well-being of journalists reporting on traumatic incidents, particularly war, conflict, and crime in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on in-depth interviews with (n = 50) journalists, including Directors, Reporters, Editors, NLEs, Cameramen, and Photographers from print, broadcast, and online media outlets across Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied, and the data were interpreted through the Hierarchy of Influences (HOI) model, an extension of gatekeeping theory. Findings reveal that official/unofficial sources, government agencies, interest groups, and cultural norms significantly influence journalistic decision-making. Importantly, participants also reported emotional distress, moral injury, and institutional neglect when covering traumatic stories. The study concludes that journalists’ dual pressures from media owners driven by ratings and audience interest in sensationalism not only shapes news content but also contributes to psychological strain and burnout. The head office’s demand for emotionally charged coverage often clashes with reporters’ ethical limits, intensifying the internal conflict between professional duty and emotional resilience. The study argues that traumatic event coverage in Pakistani media is not only ethically complex but also psychologically stressful. It highlights the need for trauma-informed newsroom policies, organizational support, and ethical editorial leadership to protect journalists and their mental health. It contributes to the broader discourse on mental well-being in high-risk journalism, especially in conflict zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
17 pages, 258 KB  
Article
A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Palestinian Journalists in the United States During the Ongoing Gaza Genocide
by Yasmeen Abed
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010034 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1614
Abstract
This exploratory project uses muted group theory and qualitative methods to examine the personal and professional experiences of Palestinian journalists in the United States during the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The survey responses and interviews uncovered changes to Palestinians’ professional relationships, the impact [...] Read more.
This exploratory project uses muted group theory and qualitative methods to examine the personal and professional experiences of Palestinian journalists in the United States during the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The survey responses and interviews uncovered changes to Palestinians’ professional relationships, the impact of the current political climate in the U.S. on newsrooms, and how these factors have affected reporting experiences. The findings underscore the dangers of attacks on Palestinian voices in journalism and media, and the heightened importance of amplifying Palestinian stories and sources in media coverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)

Other

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22 pages, 656 KB  
Systematic Review
Emotional Well-Being in Journalists: Conceptualization, Experiences, and Strategies in the Literature (2010–2025)
by Susana Herrera Damas and José M. Valero-Pastor
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010021 - 28 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1157
Abstract
This systematic review examines how emotional well-being in journalism has been de-fined, experienced, and supported between 2010 and 2025. It draws on 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies identified in Web of Science and Scopus and evaluated using PRISMA 2020 and the MMAT. The review [...] Read more.
This systematic review examines how emotional well-being in journalism has been de-fined, experienced, and supported between 2010 and 2025. It draws on 15 peer-reviewed empirical studies identified in Web of Science and Scopus and evaluated using PRISMA 2020 and the MMAT. The review addresses three main gaps in the field: unclear definitions, limited synthesis of risk and protective factors, and scarce assessment of support interventions. Across studies, emotional distress emerges from structural pressures, such as overwork, trauma exposure, online harassment, job precarity, and the erosion of collegial networks. These pressures, rather than inherent traits of journalistic work, shape vulnerability. Protective factors include social support, editorial autonomy, professional experience, purpose-driven motivation, and practices like mindfulness or digital disconnection. Yet their impact is often limited by weak organizational infrastructures. Vulnerability is higher among women, freelancers, and early career journalists, although intersectional analyses remain rare. Sectoral and organizational responses—peer networks, resilience programs, trauma-informed training, and emerging digital safety policies—show promise but remain fragmented. The review concludes that emotional well-being should be framed as an ethical and structural responsibility within journalism, and that sustainable progress requires systemic measures that foster psychological safety and professional dignity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
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19 pages, 649 KB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review of the Literature on the Mental Health of Journalists Reporting on War, Conflict and Terrorism: Gaps and Recommendations for Future Studies
by Idris Mohammed
Journal. Media 2025, 6(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6030129 - 19 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6124
Abstract
This literature review examines the psychological safety of journalists reporting on war, conflict, and terrorism, synthesizing contemporary research on trauma exposure, mental health outcomes, and institutional support. Using a systematic search strategy, 88 peer-reviewed studies from 2000 to 2024 were thematically analyzed. Key [...] Read more.
This literature review examines the psychological safety of journalists reporting on war, conflict, and terrorism, synthesizing contemporary research on trauma exposure, mental health outcomes, and institutional support. Using a systematic search strategy, 88 peer-reviewed studies from 2000 to 2024 were thematically analyzed. Key findings reveal elevated rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among conflict journalists, comparable to the trauma experienced by combat veterans. Recommendations for advancing theory and research to create effective interventions to safeguard journalists’ well-being worldwide are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health in the Headlines)
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