This chapter analysed the support system available to Nigerian journalists with the goal of establishing the specific support they need to cope with trauma and maintain their mental health. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews (both in-person and online) with 20 journalists across Southwest Nigeria and employed thematic analysis to make sense of the data. Findings revealed that journalists grapple with diverse emotional pressures linked to job demands and online and offline harassment. To cope with emotional pressures, journalists employ psychological capital, which includes self-motivation, rest, adequate sleep, and socialising. The study revealed that family support is more guaranteed for journalists than peer support for navigating work-related trauma. Additionally, our study established that negligence of media organisations largely predispose journalists to mental health problems and hinder their professionalism. In addition to psychological capital, Nigerian journalists need more social and organisational support for improved mental well-being and high-quality professional performance.

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“Those Who Produce News Should Stay Sane”: Analysing the Support System for the Mental Well-being of Journalists in Southwest, Nigeria

  • Dickson Oluwasina Ogunkunle,
  • Adeola Obafemi Mobolaji,
  • Stephen Damilola Odebiyi,
  • Oreoluwa Pero Aladejuyigbe

摘要

This chapter analysed the support system available to Nigerian journalists with the goal of establishing the specific support they need to cope with trauma and maintain their mental health. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews (both in-person and online) with 20 journalists across Southwest Nigeria and employed thematic analysis to make sense of the data. Findings revealed that journalists grapple with diverse emotional pressures linked to job demands and online and offline harassment. To cope with emotional pressures, journalists employ psychological capital, which includes self-motivation, rest, adequate sleep, and socialising. The study revealed that family support is more guaranteed for journalists than peer support for navigating work-related trauma. Additionally, our study established that negligence of media organisations largely predispose journalists to mental health problems and hinder their professionalism. In addition to psychological capital, Nigerian journalists need more social and organisational support for improved mental well-being and high-quality professional performance.