Abstract
Background: Among those exposed to traumatic events, only a small minority will go on to develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research among clinical populations and professions with high work-related exposure to trauma suggests that attachment style and coping style may explain some of the recorded variation in response to traumatic events. Journalists may also experience work-related exposure to trauma but there is little data on rates of PTSD in the profession or the impact of attachment style or coping style. Method: Participant journalists (N = 195) were assessed for adult attachment style and coping strategy via a self-report online questionnaire comprising demographic data, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian; the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale Short Form measure of attachment and the BRIEF Cope measure of coping strategies. Links to the questionnaire were posted on websites relevant to journalists including the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Data were analysed using analysis of variance, correlation co-efficients and logistic regression. Results: journalists are almost four times more likely to develop PTSD than the general population. An anxious attachment style was significantly associated with PTSD symptomology. An avoidant coping style, the use of religion, self-blame and substance abuse was also positively associated. The impact of work culture on vulnerability to and recovery from PTSD is discussed. Conclusions: the prevalence of PTSD among journalists is higher than in the general population and the development of PTSD may be influenced by attachment style and coping strategies.