Emotional intelligence as a predictor of occupational functioning and probable posttraumatic stress disorder in American journalists

In certain careers, exposure to traumatic events is nearly inevitable. It is well documented that paramedics, police officers, and firefighters are particularly at risk for trauma exposure (e.g., Bennett, Williams, Page, Hood, Woolard, & Vetter, 2005). Risk factors most predictive of negative psychological consequences and treatment studies for those who develop symptoms are likewise well documented (e.g., Bennett et al., 2005; Haslam & Mallon, 2003).;Journalists, in contrast, represent an occupational group with high rates of exposure that receives comparatively less research attention. The few studies conducted on journalists have provided helpful information about rates of trauma exposure, probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, to a lesser extent, PTSD risk factors (e.g., Newman, Simpson, & Handschuh, 2003; Simpson & Boggs, 1999). One primary limitation of the occupational health research conducted with journalists is that no known studies have examined how trauma exposure is related to journalists' occupational functioning. Systematic examination of functional impairment is therefore needed in order to better identify individuals most at risk for developing functional problems following trauma exposure. Additionally, it is possible that some risk factors may represent useful targets for clinical intervention.;General emotional intelligence (EI) represents one construct that may present opportunity for intervention. Level of EI has been found to correlate negatively with numerous psychological disorders, including PTSD (e.g., Hunt & Evans, 2004) and, to a lesser extent, with academic achievement and occupational success (Rode, Arthaud-Day, Mooney, Near, & Baldwin, 2008; Van Der Zee, Thijs, & Schakel, 2002).;This study aimed to strengthen the research literature about journalists by exploring both PTSD and occupational dysfunction. Additionally, the utility of EI as a predictor of both PTSD symptomology and occupational dysfunction was explored.;The participant sample for the current study consisted of 159 print journalists working in the United States. Results from the online survey indicated that 96.23% of the sample was exposed to job-related traumatic events in the past year. Additionally, 91.44% faced exposure to potentially traumatic events outside of their job. Finally, 10.69% of the sample met criteria for a probable PTSD diagnosis.;Regarding predictors of PTSD symptoms in the sample, several statistically significant relationships emerged. Specifically, hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that personal trauma exposure, job-related trauma severity, and the EI scales of empathy and emotional-regulation of the self all significantly predicted PTSD symptoms. Predictors of perceived occupational dysfunction were also examined. PTSD symptoms and EI subscale scores measuring emotional-regulation of the self significantly predicted perceived occupational dysfunction.