Mark H. Massé

Journalism educators use crisis simulations and role playing to prepare students for interviewing trauma victims. Realistic exercises at U.S. and European universities include crime, disaster and terrorism scenarios. Community partners often include police and fire departments, plus health care and funeral home staffs.

Major news organizations routinely send their war correspondents and those covering crises/conflicts for week-long survival skills and first-aid training. Most of these courses are run by former British military personnel. Journalists claim such hostile-environment training can help save lives.

When journalists cover court trials where detailed evidence of murders or other violent crimes is presented, they are subject to troubling psychological effects. Similar emotional impact may be experienced by video news production staff who spend extended periods editing graphic footage.

Interviewing victims in crisis situations may re-traumatize these individuals. Journalists should be empathetic and cognizant of people's emotional states. The key is to avoid pressuring sources or asking insensitive questions such as: How do you feel?

Journalists who have residual psychological effects of covering tragedy and trauma may benefit from articulation, artistic endeavors such as creative writing, drawing and painting. These activities can help in channeling negative emotions associated with a traumatic event.