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Perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder
Author(s) -
Herkov Michael J.,
Biernat Monica
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4679(199712)53:8<909::aid-jclp16>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - psychology , suicide prevention , poison control , injury prevention , human factors and ergonomics , perception , occupational safety and health , medical emergency , clinical psychology , psychoanalysis , medicine , pathology , neuroscience
This study examined resident perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder. Residents were surveyed regarding the popularity, accuracy and trust of various information sources. One hundred eighty‐four residents (48% response rate) responded to mailed questionnaires. Results indicated that traditional sources of news (television, radio, and newspapers) were the most popular sources of information. However, police press conferences were judged to be the most accurate and trustworthy. Residents viewed media reports on methods of reducing personal risk as beneficial and enhancing feelings of safety. However, details of mutilations and sensational reporting were judged to increase personal fears and led to widespread dissatisfaction with the media. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 53: 909–915, 1997