We like to gain valuable knowledge from around the world when it comes to Mental Health studies and learned experience, this finding on PTSD represents the enormous impact that our world has around us.
Here is what a study published first in psychcentral.com can show us:
New research from the UK has determined that viewing violent news events via social media can cause people to experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
University of Bradford’s Dr. Pam Ramsden presented her finding at the Annual Conference of the British Psychology Society.
“The negative effects of exposure to other people’s suffering have long been recognized in roles such as professional health care workers. Various studies have documented the negative psychological reactions following indirect exposure to traumatized people called vicarious traumatization,” said Ramsden.
“Social media has enabled violent stories and graphic images to be watched by the public in unedited horrific detail. Watching these events and feeling the anguish of those directly experiencing them may impact on our daily lives.
“In this study we wanted to see if people would experience longer lasting effects such as stress and anxiety, and in some cases post-traumatic stress disorders from viewing these images.”
Researcher had 189 participants complete a clinical assessment for PTSD, a personality questionnaire, a vicarious trauma assessment and a questionnaire concerning different violent news events on social media or the internet. The mean age of the participants was 37 years old with an almost even gender split.
Violent news events included the 9/11 Twin Tower attacks, school shootings, and suicide bombings.
Upon analysis, researchers discovered that 22 percent of participants were significantly affected by the media events. These individuals scored high on clinical measures of PTSD even though none had previous trauma, were not present at the traumatic events, and had only watched them via social media.
Violence on the News | Those who reported viewing the events more often were most affected.
“It is quite worrying that nearly a quarter of those who viewed the images scored high on clinical measures of PTSD. There was also an increased risk for those with outgoing, extroverted personalities."
“With increased access to social media and the internet via tablets and smartphones, we need to ensure that people are aware of the risks of viewing these images and that appropriate support is available for those who need it,” Ramsden said.
PTSD like Symptoms from viewing the news | All things in moderation is a term that we have all heard, this study shows us that in not so good terms, if you need help to overcome difficulties, asking for help is a good step forward.
