A Theoretically Based Analysis of Twitter Conversations about Trauma and Mental Health: Examining Responses to Storylines on the Television Show Queen Sugar

A Systematic Review of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Communication Research: Implications for Resilience Communication and Organizing

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the psychological response to experiencing and/or witnessing a traumatic event. With over 100 million of the global adult population afflicted with this disorder, more systematic research on PTSD is essential, and the COVID-19 pandemic increased that need. Extant research suggests communication lies at the center of PTSD prevention, symptom mitigation, and recovery, yet communication researchers have largely failed to address the disorder. To advance theory and empirical research, this paper presents a systematic review of PTSD studies in communication literature. Content and computational analyses of 84 relevant articles from three databases show that PTSD research primarily focuses on the military, journalists, and survivors of terrorist attacks. In addition, those with PTSD rely on social networks and support to combat social stigma and self-isolation. Based on these findings, we present four fruitful areas for future research on PTSD across diverse subfields: (1) social networks, (2) diverse populations, (3) social identity, and (4) resilience.

Characterizing the Influence of Television Health Entertainment Narratives in Lay Populations: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a scoping review of published literature examining the influence of health storylines from fictional television programs on viewers.

DATA SOURCE

We performed literature searches in Medline, PsycINFO, and Mass Media Complete in October 2021, and examined bibliographies of included articles and conducted forward searching using Web of Science with included articles.

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Selected studies were required to be original research published in English, involve exposure to fictional television programming by individuals not in the medical field, and assess associations between exposure and health-related outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION

Article screening and data abstraction were performed by two independent researchers using DistillerSR (Cohen's κ range: .73-1.00).

DATA SYNTHESIS

We analyzed and qualitatively described the data using methods of scoping reviews described by PRISMA-ScR.

RESULTS

Of 5,537 unique records identified, 165 met inclusion criteria. The most frequently studied program was ER (n = 22, 13.3%). Most studies had adult participants (n = 116, 70.3%) and used quantitative methods (n = 136, 82.4%). The most frequently examined health topics were sexual behavior (n = 28, 17.0%) and mental health (n = 28, 17.0%). Exposure had a positive influence on viewers' health-related outcomes in 28.5% (n = 47) of studies.

CONCLUSION

Health storylines on fictional television influence viewers. Future research could address gaps identified in this review to further elucidate the influence of this programming on health promotion and disease prevention.

The health of rural Black communities during COVID: Some affirmations, some surprises

Background and objective

There are overwhelming health disparities in the Deep South. It is important to include the voice of communities affected by these disparities when developing interventions. The goal of the current study was to develop an academic community engaged partnership to strengthen the ability to address priority health concerns of rural African American communities with a focus on health literacy and health advocacy.

Methods

A community-based participatory research approach was used to administer a 15-item community health survey in five rural communities led by African American mayors in Alabama (N = 752). The survey assessed the health concerns and the potential behaviors that may be associated with those health concerns.

Results

The five communities demonstrated similarities as well as differences in both the health concerns endorsed and the potential health behaviors that may contribute to those concerns. All five communities identified cardiovascular disease as a health concern with three endorsing mental health issues and 2 dental health. With respect to behaviors, all five communities identified either unhealthy eating/exercise and substance use as concerns with one community identifying racism as a risky behavior affecting health.

Conclusion

The results presented replicate CBPR studies demonstrating that communities are important sources of information about local health priorities and concerns.