Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

A Conceptual Model for Preventing Secondary Trauma Resulting from News of the War with Iran: The Role of Media Literacy - A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article (s)

Authors
Gholamreza Askari 1
Mehdi Ahmadifar 2
1 Nutrition and Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Vice-Chancellery for Research and Technology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i876.1639
Abstract
Beyond its physical consequences, the Iran war in (May/June 2025) created fertile ground for secondary trauma and pervasive anxiety among the civilian population due to the influx of news, violent imagery, and online rumors. This study aimed to conduct a narrative review of strategies to prevent secondary trauma and the adverse effects associated with war-related news, emphasizing the role of media literacy.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted based on quality assessment criteria for review articles. Searches were performed using keywords such as "media literacy," "military crisis," "war," "news," "mental health," "psychological resilience," "secondary trauma," "psychological burnout," "anxiety," and "distress" across international and domestic databases, covering the period from (May 2025 - September 2026). Following an initial screening of records, ten articles relevant to the study's objective were selected and analyzed.
Findings: The results indicated that repeated exposure to war news facilitated by cycles of "doomscrolling" (compulsive scrolling through negative news) is directly linked to mental health issues, lifestyle disruptions, information anxiety caused by conflicting sources, a decline in student academic performance, and burnout among healthcare personnel. Media literacy education covering source evaluation, rumor detection, and an understanding of algorithms serves a protective function. It fosters behavioral self-regulation, personal empowerment, and communication skills, thereby helping to mitigate psychological, neurological, and social harm.
Conclusion: War-related news in modern conflicts leads to biological and psychological harm. Enhancing societal psychological resilience requires investment in media literacy, education on media health, moderation of news consumption, lifestyle improvements, psychological support interventions, and timely access to specialized mental health care during and after crises.

Highlights

Gholamreza Askari: Google Scholar

Keywords
Iran War
Media Literacy
Mental Health
Secondary Trauma
Anxiety
News
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 876
3rd Week, October
September and October 2026
Pages 1639-1645

  • Receive Date 17 October 2026