Elana Newman, University of Tulsa

Elana Newman, University of Tulsa

Elana Newman, McFarlin Professor of Psychology at the University of Tulsa, is also the Research Director for the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma as well as a past president of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies.

Her scholarly work in journalism and trauma has focused on surveying and defining the field, understanding the occupational health of journalists who cover traumatic events, and examining the effects of journalistic practice upon consumers and individuals covered in the news.  Newman has overseen the development of a bibliographic database about journalism and trauma to aid teachers and scholars identifying information about trauma and journalism (see www.dartcenter.org). With the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, she helps journalists learn about trauma science, best psychological practice for interviewing survivors, self-care and consider ways psychological knowledge may be relevant to journalistic practice.  Dr. Newman also trains clinicians and researchers how they can better collaborate with journalists.

Outside of her work in journalism, Newman has worked to disseminate trauma-focused best practice in public clinic, educational and criminal justice settings and help define trauma competencies in mental health practice. She is currently examining what interventions work best for children post mass disaster.  Newman provides consultation to immigration lawyers and students on self-care. Her past work has examined the physical and psychological effects of trauma exposure upon adults and children (including meaning of such events), research ethics in studying trauma survivors, and the developmental impact of prenatal substance abuse exposure.