What is it about?
What factors affect the social well-being of media workers in Latin America? We analyzed data from 314 media professionals in Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela and found that nearly one in five were at risk of social dysfunction, meaning they experienced difficulties managing daily activities, maintaining relationships, or functioning effectively in everyday life. Factors associated with greater risk included wanting to leave the profession, concerns about personal and family health, and constant work-related connectivity. In contrast, seeking emotional support and using humor were linked to lower risk. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening mental health prevention and support programs for the professionals who keep society informed during times of crisis.
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Why is it important?
This study highlights an overlooked mental health challenge among media workers in Latin America. By identifying factors that increase and reduce the risk of social dysfunction, it provides evidence to support better workplace policies, mental health interventions, and well-being programs for media professionals.
Perspectives
This study highlights social dysfunction as an important but understudied mental health challenge among media workers. The findings point to the need for workplace policies, psychosocial support, and healthy digital practices that strengthen resilience and well-being in journalism. Future research should examine how these factors evolve over time and how they can inform evidence-based interventions for media professionals.
Byron Bustamante
Universidad de Las Americas
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Social dysfunction in Ecuadorian, Peruvian, and Venezuelan media workers, PLOS Mental Health, September 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000709.
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