3.3 Asking sensitive questions and avoiding re-traumatization
7 min read•august 13, 2024
Interviewing trauma survivors requires a delicate balance of sensitivity and professionalism. Open-ended, non-judgmental questions allow survivors to share at their own pace, while avoiding "why" questions prevents unintentional blame. Recognizing triggers and signs of distress is crucial for maintaining a safe environment.
Journalists must be prepared to validate emotions, offer grounding techniques, and empower survivors throughout the interview process. Prioritizing the well-being of both the survivor and the interviewer is essential, even if it means ending the conversation early. Self-care and awareness of are vital for ethical trauma reporting.
Trauma-Informed Questioning
Open-Ended and Non-Judgmental Questions
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- allow trauma survivors to share experiences in their own words and pace, providing a sense of control and empowerment
- Typically begin with "how," "what," or "could you tell me about" and encourage elaboration without pressure (What was your experience like after the event?)
- Give survivors space to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable
- Non-judgmental questions are free from assumptions, biases, or value judgments about the survivor's experiences, reactions, or coping mechanisms
- Focus on gathering information without implying blame, shame, or disbelief (How have you been coping since the incident?)
- Avoid language that suggests the survivor is at fault or should have reacted differently
- Questions should be phrased in a sensitive, respectful manner that acknowledges the difficulty of discussing traumatic experiences and the survivor's resilience
- Use a calm, empathetic tone and validate the survivor's feelings (I understand this is difficult to talk about. Thank you for sharing with me.)
- Recognize the strength it takes to open up about trauma and the survivor's courage in doing so
Sensitive Phrasing and Focusing on Impact
- Avoid "why" questions, as they may imply blame or judgment and lead to defensiveness or self-blame in trauma survivors
- Instead of "Why didn't you leave sooner?" ask "What factors made it difficult for you to leave the situation?"
- "Why" questions can make survivors feel like they need to justify their actions or experiences
- Refrain from asking for explicit details of the traumatic event unless absolutely necessary, as this can increase the risk of re-traumatization
- Focus on the survivor's thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the event and its impact on their life (How has this experience affected your relationships?)
- Graphic details may not be essential to understanding the survivor's story and can be deeply distressing to recount
- If specific details are needed, preface the question with a content warning and give the survivor control over what they share
- Let the survivor know they can decline to answer or provide only the level of detail they are comfortable with
- Remind the survivor that they are in control of the conversation and can take breaks as needed
Recognizing Trauma Triggers
Common Triggers and Signs of Distress
- Triggers are stimuli that remind trauma survivors of their traumatic experiences and can evoke intense emotional or physiological reactions
- Sensory reminders of the trauma (certain smells, sounds, or visual cues associated with the event)
- Discussions of the traumatic event or topics closely related to it
- Encounters with people or places associated with the trauma (seeing someone who resembles the perpetrator, revisiting the location where the trauma occurred)
- Signs of distress may include changes in body language, tone of voice, or emotional state
- Fidgeting, tensing up, or avoiding eye contact
- Becoming quiet, shaky, or having difficulty speaking
- Appearing anxious, fearful, or emotionally disconnected
- Physiological indicators of distress may include visible changes in breathing, sweating, trembling, or skin color
- Rapid or shallow breathing, hyperventilation
- Profuse sweating or clammy skin
- Trembling hands or body
- Flushing or paleness in the face
Dissociation and Emotional Reactivity
- Dissociation, a common trauma response, may manifest as "zoning out," appearing emotionally numb, or experiencing a sense of detachment from one's surroundings or body
- Survivor may seem distant, have a glazed look in their eyes, or be unresponsive to questions
- May report feeling like they are watching the conversation from outside their body or that the experience doesn't feel real
- Trauma survivors may exhibit increased irritability, anger, or defensiveness when discussing sensitive topics or encountering triggers
- May become argumentative, raise their voice, or use aggressive language
- Anger can be a protective response to feeling vulnerable or exposed
- Recognizing and responding to these signs of distress is crucial for preventing re-traumatization and maintaining a
- Offer breaks, grounding techniques, or a change of subject if the survivor appears triggered or overwhelmed
- Prioritize the survivor's emotional safety and well-being over obtaining information
De-escalating Emotional Reactions
Validation and Maintaining a Calm Presence
- Validate the trauma survivor's emotions and experiences by acknowledging the difficulty of discussing traumatic events and the normalcy of their reactions
- Use phrases such as "It's understandable to feel that way" or "That must have been really difficult for you"
- Convey empathy and acceptance of the survivor's feelings, even if they are intense or uncomfortable
- Maintain a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental demeanor, even in the face of intense emotional reactions
- Use a soft, steady tone of voice and relaxed body language to convey a sense of safety and support
- Avoid becoming reactive or defensive in response to the survivor's emotions
- Modeling calmness and emotional regulation can help the survivor feel more grounded and secure in the conversation
- Take slow, deep breaths and maintain an open, non-threatening posture
- Speak slowly and clearly, allowing for pauses and silence as needed
Grounding Techniques and Empowerment
- Offer grounding techniques to help trauma survivors manage emotional distress and stay present in the moment
- Deep breathing exercises (inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four)
- Focusing on sensory details in the immediate environment (naming five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, etc.)
- Engaging in simple physical movements (tapping feet or hands, stretching, or standing up and sitting down)
- Provide choices and control whenever possible, such as asking permission before proceeding with a line of questioning or offering breaks as needed
- This helps counteract feelings of powerlessness often associated with trauma
- Let the survivor decide the pace and direction of the conversation as much as possible
- Remind the trauma survivor of their strengths, resilience, and coping skills
- Highlight the progress they have made in their healing journey and their ability to manage difficult emotions
- Emphasize that seeking help and sharing their story takes courage and strength
- Empowering the survivor and reinforcing their autonomy can help reduce feelings of helplessness and vulnerability
- Encourage the survivor to trust their instincts and make decisions that feel right for them
- Respect the survivor's boundaries and right to decline answering questions or end the interview if needed
Interview Termination for Well-being
Monitoring Distress and Respecting Boundaries
- Continuously monitor the trauma survivor's emotional state and level of distress throughout the interview
- Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues indicating increased distress or dissociation (changes in speech patterns, facial expressions, or body language)
- Check in regularly with the survivor about their comfort level and need for breaks
- If the trauma survivor exhibits signs of severe distress, prioritize their emotional well-being over obtaining information
- Uncontrollable crying, hyperventilation, or dissociation may indicate the need to pause or end the interview
- Offer a break or suggest rescheduling the interview for another time when the survivor feels more emotionally prepared
- Respect the trauma survivor's boundaries and right to decline answering specific questions or discussing certain aspects of their experience
- Do not push for information if the survivor indicates a desire to stop or move on
- Honor the survivor's autonomy and control over their narrative, even if it means leaving gaps in the story
- Have a plan in place for connecting the trauma survivor with appropriate support services if they require additional assistance following the interview
- Mental health professionals, victim advocacy organizations, or support groups can provide ongoing care and resources
- Offer to make referrals or provide contact information for relevant services
Interviewer Self-Care and Secondary Traumatic Stress
- Engage in self-reflection and assess one's own emotional capacity to continue the interview
- Listening to traumatic stories can take a toll on the interviewer's mental health and well-being
- Be aware of signs of secondary traumatic stress, such as intrusive thoughts, heightened anxiety, or emotional numbness
- If the interviewer experiences secondary traumatic stress or feels unable to maintain a trauma-informed approach, it may be necessary to pause or terminate the interview and seek support
- Prioritize self-care activities, such as debriefing with colleagues, engaging in relaxation techniques, or seeking therapy
- Recognize that setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion are essential for preventing burnout and maintaining effectiveness as an interviewer
- Engaging in regular self-care practices and seeking support when needed can help interviewers maintain a healthy emotional balance and continue their important work
- Develop a self-care plan that includes activities that promote relaxation, stress relief, and emotional processing (journaling, exercise, creative pursuits, etc.)
- Participate in peer support groups or professional development opportunities focused on trauma-informed journalism and self-care strategies
Key Terms to Review (16)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, responding, and remembering what the speaker is saying. This method fosters a deeper connection and helps to build trust and rapport, especially in sensitive situations involving trauma survivors.
Content Warnings: Content warnings are advisories placed before potentially triggering material to inform individuals about the presence of distressing themes or imagery. These warnings aim to prepare audiences for sensitive topics, allowing them to make informed decisions about their engagement with the content and reducing the likelihood of re-traumatization, particularly when discussing or depicting experiences related to trauma.
Do No Harm: Do No Harm is an ethical principle in journalism that emphasizes the responsibility of journalists to avoid causing further trauma or distress to individuals and communities affected by traumatic events. This principle guides journalists to approach sensitive topics with care, ensuring their reporting does not exacerbate the suffering of those involved and respects their dignity and privacy.
Editorial Discretion: Editorial discretion refers to the authority and judgment exercised by editors and journalists in selecting, shaping, and presenting news content. This involves making choices about what information to include, how to frame stories, and which sensitive topics to approach or avoid altogether. The exercise of editorial discretion is crucial when dealing with sensitive issues, as it impacts the overall tone and potential re-traumatization of individuals involved in news stories.
Empathetic inquiry: Empathetic inquiry is an approach in journalism that emphasizes understanding and compassion when asking sensitive questions, particularly in contexts involving trauma or personal hardship. This method aims to create a safe space for individuals to share their stories without feeling re-traumatized, allowing journalists to gather information while being respectful and considerate of the interviewee's emotional state.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from individuals before engaging them in research or reporting, ensuring they fully understand the implications, risks, and benefits involved. This concept is crucial in trauma journalism as it protects the rights and dignity of trauma survivors while fostering trust and transparency in the reporting process.
Narrative sensitivity: Narrative sensitivity refers to the awareness and understanding required when telling the stories of individuals who have experienced trauma. This concept emphasizes the importance of approaching these narratives with care, ensuring that the retelling does not cause additional harm or distress to the subjects involved. It is essential in fostering a respectful dialogue that promotes healing rather than re-traumatization and provides ethical guidance for journalists covering sensitive topics.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that require more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer, encouraging detailed responses and deeper reflection. These types of questions foster conversation and understanding, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and feelings more freely, which is especially important when engaging with trauma survivors, as they help to build trust and rapport.
Psychological Safety: Psychological safety is a concept that refers to an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of negative consequences. It fosters open communication, trust, and respect, which are crucial when dealing with sensitive topics and vulnerable populations. In settings where psychological safety is prioritized, individuals are more likely to share their experiences, leading to more honest and impactful storytelling while reducing the risk of re-traumatization and supporting overall emotional well-being.
Referral Services: Referral services are specialized programs or organizations that connect individuals in need of assistance to appropriate resources or professionals. In the context of sensitive situations, these services are crucial for helping individuals find support while minimizing the risk of further trauma, ensuring that their needs are met in a compassionate and respectful manner.
Reflective Listening: Reflective listening is a communication technique that involves actively listening to a speaker and then paraphrasing or summarizing their message to ensure understanding and validation. This approach not only fosters trust and rapport but also helps individuals feel heard, which is crucial in sensitive discussions, especially when addressing trauma-related topics. By reflecting back what the speaker has said, the listener demonstrates empathy and encourages deeper exploration of feelings and experiences.
Secondary Trauma: Secondary trauma refers to the emotional and psychological impact that individuals experience when they are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, often through storytelling or witnessing those events. It highlights the importance of understanding how trauma can affect journalists and other professionals who report on or work with trauma survivors, emphasizing the need for self-care and ethical considerations in trauma journalism.
Trauma Support Organizations: Trauma support organizations are groups or agencies that provide resources, assistance, and emotional support to individuals who have experienced trauma. They play a crucial role in helping survivors process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and rebuild their lives. These organizations often offer counseling services, community outreach programs, and educational resources to promote healing and resilience, ensuring that individuals are treated with sensitivity to avoid re-traumatization during recovery.
Trauma-Informed Approach: A trauma-informed approach is a framework that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into practices, policies, and interactions to promote healing and empowerment. It emphasizes creating a safe environment for individuals affected by trauma, fostering trust, and recognizing the signs of trauma while avoiding actions that may re-traumatize individuals.
Triggering: Triggering refers to the phenomenon where specific words, images, or situations cause a person to relive or experience traumatic memories and emotions. In sensitive environments, especially when discussing trauma, being mindful of triggering is essential to ensure individuals do not experience re-traumatization or distress while engaging in discussions about their experiences.
Trust-building: Trust-building is the process of establishing and nurturing a sense of reliability and safety in relationships, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals. This is especially crucial when working with trauma survivors, as it fosters an environment where they feel respected and understood. Effective trust-building involves active listening, empathy, and consistent communication, all of which help survivors feel comfortable sharing their experiences and engaging in dialogue.