This study investigates empathic distress as a psychological health outcome associated with crisis-related media consumption. Empathic distress refers to a self-oriented aversive emotional state triggered by exposure to others' suffering — characterized by feelings of overwhelm, helplessness, and emotional burden. Repeated exposure to crisis-related news content (e.g., wars, natural disasters, pandemics) may overload empathy and stress systems, potentially contributing to emotional withdrawal an
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: The primary aim of the project is to empirically investigate the relationship between crisis-related news consumption and empathic distress. A particular focus is placed on identifying indivi
Sponsors
Klinisches Institut für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: nformed consent / refusal of the participant information and consent form
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: current mental diseases Failure to provide informed consent / refusal of the participant information and consent form
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary endpoint of the study is the level of empathic distress (e.g., assessed using a standardized self-report measure). This endpoint serves to directly address the main research question of the extent to which empathic distress is associated with the degree of crisis-related news consumption. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The following secondary endpoints will be assessed: • Crisis-related news consumption (frequency and intensity), as the central independent variable • Emotion regulation skills (adaptive and maladaptive strategies), to examine moderating effects • Dispositional mindfulness, also as a potential moderator of the relationship • The personality trait neuroticism, to investigate individual vulnerabilities • Sociodemographic variables (particularly age and gender), to analyze group-specific differences These secondary outcomes enable a nuanced analysis of risk and protective factors and contribute to addressing the secondary research questions. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactAnna-Maria Kisic
Klinisches Institut für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Outcome results
None listed