Building Trust, Fostering Belonging: Combating Student Burnout in Journalism and Mass Communication

In an era of political backlash against initiatives aimed at creating supportive and equitable educational environments, journalism and mass communication educators face urgent challenges in fostering student well-being and engagement. This study explores how trust, belonging, and psychological safety influence burnout and engagement among 469 students at a southern U.S. university. Findings show trust in educators and perceptions of inclusion significantly boost students’ sense of belonging and psychological safety, which are key predictors of lower burnout and higher engagement. These insights offer actionable strategies for creating inclusive, trust-based environments that promote student success, particularly in journalism and mass communication programs.