The Hidden Cost of Science News: An Examination of Burnout in Journalists and Scientists

Many studies in the field of science journalism focus on the challenges of producing science news in the contemporary media ecology, but relatively few studies address issues related to the emotional wellbeing of journalists and scientists. In this survey-based study, we analyze which factors are associated with burnout in journalists who write about science and scientists who have served as interview subjects for journalists. We find that overwork and negative work experiences may be associated with higher reports of burnout, but resilience may interrupt these associations. These results may have implications for the development of wellbeing interventions for journalists and scientists.