Podcast Summary
Impact of 9/11 on mental and physical health: Direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events, watching on TV, or knowing someone affected, can lead to ongoing emotional concerns and physical health issues in the long term.
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks caused a collective trauma that affected millions of Americans and continues to impact mental and physical health two decades later. Researcher Roxanne Cohen Silver, who led studies on the aftermath of 9/11, found that individuals who were directly or indirectly affected, watched the attacks on TV, or knew someone who was impacted, experienced ongoing emotional concerns and physical health issues. Silver's research also applies to the COVID-19 pandemic and other large-scale disasters, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the long-term effects of collective trauma.
Impact of Media Exposure to Traumatic Events on Health: Exposure to traumatic events through media can negatively impact individuals' psychological and physical health for years, even among those not directly affected. Limiting media exposure and offering support is crucial.
Learning from the study is that exposure to traumatic events, such as the 9/11 attacks, through media can have significant negative impacts on individuals' psychological and physical health over an extended period. The researchers found that people who watched the attacks live on television were more likely to exhibit stress responses and develop new physical health complaints within the next three years. This effect was observed even among individuals who were not directly affected by the events. The study's longitudinal design allowed researchers to track the development of physical health concerns and establish a baseline for participants' health before the attacks. Additionally, the study was conducted within days of the attacks, reducing the likelihood of memory distortion. About 60% of the sample reported witnessing the attacks live on television, and about 5% had been directly affected. These findings highlight the importance of limiting media exposure to traumatic events and providing support to those who have been affected.
9/11's Lasting Impact on Society: 9/11 led to increased security measures, instant news updates, societal changes like polarization and social media, and a significant turning point in history. Anniversaries can bring back trauma but also help in healing and moving forward.
The events of 9/11 have had a profound impact on society, shaping the way we live today, even if we may not consciously associate those changes with the attacks. Before 9/11, people learned about world events primarily through television, radio, and print media. Now, we receive instant updates from around the world. Security measures at airports, which were once lax, are now strict. The Department of Homeland Security was established in response to the concern for terrorism. Societal changes such as increased political polarization and the rise of social media have also occurred during this time. While it's difficult for a psychologist to definitively link these changes to 9/11, it's clear that the attacks marked a turning point in history. Marking anniversaries of tragic events can bring back trauma for some, but it can also help people process and cope with their emotions. For many, remembering the events of 9/11 and reflecting on their impact is an important part of healing and moving forward.
Media's Impact on Collective Trauma: The media's portrayal of traumatic events can evoke strong emotions and shape perceptions, and recent collective traumas like the pandemic, economic downturn, and social unrest have left many feeling stressed, anxious, and helpless. It's crucial to acknowledge and address these traumas, while also remembering to learn from past tragedies.
The media's portrayal of tragic events, such as the 9/11 attacks and recent collective traumas, can significantly impact how we remember and process them. The images and messages we are exposed to can evoke strong emotions and shape our perceptions. The term "cascading collective trauma" refers to the accumulation of multiple traumatic events experienced by a society within a short period. The last year and a half have been unprecedented in this regard, with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and social unrest, all contributing to a sense of collective trauma. These events have left many people with increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. It's essential to acknowledge and address these traumas, while also remembering the importance of memorializing and learning from past tragedies.
Monitor media exposure during collective traumas: Recognize unique experiences and respond accordingly during collective traumas, acknowledging disproportionate impacts and supporting each other in coping and healing
The years 2020 and 2021 have been marked by an unprecedented amount of collective traumas, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. These traumas have had varying degrees of impact on individuals, with some experiencing direct exposure and others experiencing indirect exposure through media. It is important for people to monitor their exposure to media about tragedies and recognize that everyone's experience is unique. The pandemic's duration and severity are still uncertain, and it's crucial to acknowledge that some communities have been disproportionately affected. The most important lesson from studying tragedy for over 40 years is that there is no one-size-fits-all response to these events. We must recognize the differences in exposure and impact and respond accordingly. Despite the challenges, it's essential to continue supporting each other and finding ways to cope and heal together.
Complex responses to collective trauma: People respond differently to collective trauma, influenced by factors like past experiences, resources, and support. Some find growth, while others struggle with adversity.
People's responses to collective trauma, such as the events of 2020, are complex and varied. Factors like prior experiences, chronic stress, resources, and support all play a role. Some people may find meaning and personal growth in tragedy, while others struggle with the adversity. The absence of a daily commute is a positive experience for some, but a source of stress for others. It's crucial to recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all response to trauma. Researchers are studying the benefits people derive from traumatic experiences, though the term "post-traumatic growth" may not be used in their work. Some individuals have reported increased substance use as a coping mechanism. Overall, it's essential to acknowledge the complexity of human responses to collective trauma and to support individuals in finding healthy ways to cope.
Reflections on the pandemic's impact on mental health: While some have found positives during the pandemic, many have experienced loneliness, depression, and losses. Research on near miss experiences may provide insight into understudied areas of trauma.
The pandemic has led to increased loneliness and depression for many people, but at the same time, some individuals have found ways to hold on to positive experiences. Looking forward, it's likely that people will reflect on their experiences during this difficult time and discover newfound strengths. However, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone will find something positive, as the pandemic has caused significant losses and hardships for many. My colleague and I published a paper a few years ago about near miss experiences, which found that individuals who narrowly missed a traumatic event were more likely to experience post-traumatic stress symptoms. This research is significant because it looks at the opposite of a direct trauma experience, and while these individuals wouldn't be eligible for a PTSD diagnosis, they still experienced stress symptoms. The topic of near misses is understudied, and as we reflect on the pandemic, it may become an area of interest for researchers. It's crucial to remember that everyone's experience of the pandemic is unique, and not everyone will have the same takeaways. Some people have faced unimaginable losses, and it's essential to acknowledge and validate their experiences. The pandemic has caused real and symbolic losses for all of us, and it's important to be patient and compassionate with ourselves and others as we navigate these challenging times.
Survivor Guilt: Feeling Gratitude and Sadness After a Near Miss: Survivor guilt is a psychological response to escaping harm while others suffer. During times of collective trauma, prioritize mental health, seek support, and limit negative news intake.
Experiencing a near miss or observing tragedy can lead individuals to feel survivor guilt, a psychological phenomenon where they feel a sense of luck and gratitude for their own safety, while also feeling sympathy and sadness for those who did not fare as well. This concept was first identified in individuals who survived the Holocaust, but it has also been observed in people who were spared from other tragedies, such as the 9/11 attacks and the early AIDS epidemic. During times of collective trauma, such as the past year, it's important for individuals to prioritize their mental health. If feeling overwhelmed, they should reach out to loved ones and mental health professionals for support. It's also important to be mindful of media intake and limit the amount of time spent consuming negative news.
Mindful news consumption: Limit doomscrolling, set aside specific news checking times, reach out for support, prioritize emotional well-being
It's important for individuals to be mindful of the amount of time they spend consuming tragic news. The term "doomscrolling" refers to the act of endlessly scrolling through negative news stories, which can lead to immersion and potential negative emotional consequences. Dr. Silver encourages people to monitor their news consumption and consider setting aside specific times of the day to check the news, rather than spending long periods of time engrossed in tragic stories. Additionally, he suggests reaching out to loved ones or mental health professionals when needed, and recognizing the importance of taking care of one's emotional well-being during difficult times. Overall, Dr. Silver's advice emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care when consuming news, especially during challenging times.
