Post-accident stress: strain from media and social ridicule as secondary stressors following a naval accident

Background: Secondary stress has been found to influence psychological sequelae to potentially traumatic events. The current study investigates the role of media strain and social ridicule as secondary stressors in the aftermath of a major naval accident.Objective: To examine development of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms over time and to assess the association between symptom development and perceived media strain and social ridicule across the study period.Method: Crew members of Norwegian frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad (N = 128) completed Impact of Event Scale – Revised, Hopkins Symptom Checklist – 25 and questions regarding perceived strain from media (including social media) and social ridicule. Data collection was done at three weeks, six months and 12 months post-accident. A series of linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate between-person and within-person variation in symptoms and perceived media strain and social ridicule.Results: Perceived media strain and social ridicule were significant in predicting symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Perceived media strain was also significant in predicting symptoms of anxiety and depression.Conclusions: Results indicate that perceived media strain and social ridicule are significantly associated with symptom trajectories. The study contributes to understanding of the relevance of secondary stressors after potentially traumatic events. Preventive efforts targeting secondary stressors merit further research efforts.