People whose exposure to repeated negative messages in the media, specifically via radio, television and newspaper were more likely to suffer heightened levels of anxiety and stress. Reducing exposure to negative media stories can significantly reduce anxiety and could be a key element in anxiety management.
Essentially the continuing message that the world is a dangerous place, can prompt the stress response (formerly known as the fight, flight or freeze response); the individual reaches and often remains at a heightened state of awareness. If they remain there the effects can be both physically and psychologically harmful.
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It is important to remember that anxiety and fear have important roles to play in protecting us; they are often learned responses emanating from real or perceived dangers from past experiences, however if those experiences do not directly relate to our own experiences, we can find ourselves perceiving danger where none really exists.
Constant repetition in media stories can work in a similar, but negative way to repetition of suggestions used in hypnosis; a lot of people “drift off”, or enter natural hypnosis whilst watching TV or listening to the radio and the negative messages about the dangers in the world can bypass the conscious or logical thought processes.
Research carried out in 2008 found that reducing the individual’s exposure to negative news stories was a significant factor in anxiety management. Other factors included taking regular exercise and the utilization of relaxation techniques.
The study consisted of asking a group of around 30 volunteers to rate their levels of anxiety, stress and general well-being and to assess their exposure to media stories on a daily basis.
Once the base levels were known, half of the group were asked to reduce their media exposure as much as possible for one week, and the others were asked to continue as before. At the end of the study period, both groups were asked to rate their anxiety, stress and levels of well-being.
The results indicated that those who had reduced their exposure to the media felt relief from anxiety and stress and a greater sense of personal well-being, in spite of some reporting significant events which in normal circumstances may have been likely to increase stress and anxiety levels (ie car accidents, illness etc).
In general, participants of the study who engaged in physical activity and/or relaxation techniques such as meditation or self-hypnosis reported lower base levels of anxiety and stress, but also reported further improvements when their exposure to media stories was reduced.
Further research across a wider population would obviously prove helpful, however when considering anxiety management, taking control of the messages you receive from the worlds media would appear to be a significant factor.