Media exposure to maternal health trauma: A qualitative study on its effects on Black women's mental health

Abstract

Black women experience disproportionately higher rates of death, illness, and mental health issues during and after pregnancy. The recent surge in avoidable maternal deaths in the U.S. has alarmed national and local media. Despite the media's responsibility to inform, its coverage of traumatic events may negatively affect mental health. This research examined if and how exposure to media narratives regarding maternal healthcare experiences affected the mental health of Black women. Between June and September 2020, we interviewed thirty Black women who had given birth within the prior 18 months. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The main themes were: 1) sources of and experiences with traumatic maternal health narratives, 2) the stressful effects of media, and 3) the media's role in fostering positive communication. We found that traumatic maternal health narratives in the media affect the mental health of Black women. However, such narratives also facilitated valuable discussions between the women, their partners, family, and healthcare providers. Thus, despite being a potential source of stress, media exposure can cultivate positive communication patterns.