News exposure, depression, and PTSD symptoms among adolescents in the US: A case study of the Uvalde school shooting

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of persistent news coverage of school shootings on adolescent mental health. We surveyed a large, national sample of U.S. adolescents aged 13–17, focusing on the Uvalde school shooting, to explore the link between news exposure and depression. Our findings reveal that such exposure is associated with both generalized depression and PTSD symptoms. Qualitative data highlight specific aspects of Uvalde news coverage that respondents found particularly disturbing. Although adolescents employed cognitive coping strategies to manage their stress, a moderation analysis revealed that these strategies exacerbated rather than alleviated PTSD symptoms in the context of news exposure. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.