Shared social identity and media transmission of trauma.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational surveys across two national samples (graded by design analogy).
PubMed 37463937 · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-33898-2
What was done
Analyzed survey data from two U.S. national samples collected following the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting (n = 4,675) and the 2018 Blasey Ford–Kavanaugh Senate hearings (n = 4,894). The researchers evaluated whether sharing a social identity with victims or targeted individuals (LGBT or Hispanic identities for Pulse; prior interpersonal violence victimization or Democratic party affiliation for the hearings) predicted self-reported event-related media exposure and acute distress, testing an indirect mediation model.
What was found
Participants who shared relevant single identities with victims reported greater event-related media exposure and higher acute stress in both cohorts. Indirect effects linking shared single identity to acute stress via media exposure were present in both studies. Results for sharing dual identities with victims were mixed. The abstract provides no exact numerical values, effect sizes, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
Demonstrates how shared identity with victims in publicized traumatic events can increase self-relevant threat vigilance and media consumption, which in turn relates to heightened acute psychological distress.
Limits
No exact quantitative statistics, effect sizes, or p-values are reported in the abstract. The study relies on self-reported media consumption and acute stress rather than objective tracking or clinical evaluations. The observational survey design prevents definitive causal conclusions.
Cited by
- supports Consuming graphic videos and images online can increase an individual's risk of PTSD through vicarious trauma without direct exposure.