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. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000454
TypeArticle
TitleContent moderator coping strategies: associations with psychological distress, secondary trauma and wellbeing
AuthorsSpence, 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.

Keywordscontent moderators; coping strategies; wellbeing; trauma-informed
Sustainable Development Goals3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
Research GroupCentre for Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS)
PublisherHogrefe Ltd
JournalJournal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications
ISSN
Electronic1617-6383
Publication dates
Print25 Oct 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted14 Aug 2024
Deposited23 Aug 2024
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
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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 https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000454 . It is not the version of record and is therefore not suitable for citation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000454
Web of Science identifierWOS:001340957700001
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