Content moderator coping strategies: associations with psychological distress, secondary trauma and wellbeing
Article
Spence, R., Martellozzo, E. and DeMarco, J. 2024. Content moderator coping strategies: associations with psychological distress, secondary trauma and wellbeing. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications.
Type | Article |
---|---|
Title | Content moderator coping strategies: associations with psychological distress, secondary trauma and wellbeing |
Authors | Spence, R., Martellozzo, E. and DeMarco, J. |
Abstract | Content moderators (CMs) apply policy set by platforms to protect users from harmful content. It is a stressful job, associated with reduced mental health and wellbeing. In this study, an anonymous survey was used to demonstrate most CMs cope by seeking support from colleagues and this is associated with lower psychological distress and secondary trauma and higher wellbeing whereas increased smoking and alcohol consumption is associated with increased symptomology. Wellbeing services were not related to a reduction in psychological distress or trauma. We argue these results fit within a framework of trauma-informed working and provide evidence for its utility in the trust and safety sector. They also highlight the need for continued research into ‘what works’ to support the resilience of frontline staff. |
Keywords | content moderators; coping strategies; wellbeing; trauma-informed |
Sustainable Development Goals | 3 Good health and well-being |
Middlesex University Theme | Health & Wellbeing |
Research Group | Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS) |
Publisher | Hogrefe |
Journal | Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications |
ISSN | |
Electronic | 1617-6383 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 14 Aug 2024 |
Deposited | 23 Aug 2024 |
Output status | Accepted |
Accepted author manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
Copyright Statement | This version of the article may not completely replicate the final authoritative version published in Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications at [DOI]. It is not the version of record and is therefore not suitable for citation. |
https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/18v095
Download files
Accepted author manuscript
Coping - Media Psychology Final.pdf | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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