What Are Trigger Warnings: Sharing Traumatic or Disturbing Content

Key takeaways:

Trigger warnings are a type of content warning that lets you know you’re about to read or watch disturbing material.
While more people use trigger warnings on many types of content, there are mixed views on how helpful trigger warnings actually are.
Some people believe trigger warnings give trauma survivors a choice in whether or not to engage with the material. Others think warnings can encourage avoiding difficult feelings rather than facing and learning how to cope with them.

A trigger warning is a written or verbal message given before the start of a book, video clip, or other content. It cautions you that the material may remind you of a traumatic experience. For example, the content may include a sexual assault scene or depictions of torture.

Trigger warnings may be helpful for trauma survivors, especially those who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Warnings give survivors a heads up. It allows them to choose if they want to engage with the material or walk away.

But, trigger warnings have raised controversy because not everyone thinks they are helpful. Some limited research suggests trigger warnings might do more harm than good. Let's take a closer look.

What are trigger warnings used for?

Trigger warnings are used to alert trauma survivors or those sensitive to possibly difficult subjects about content that might lead to extreme distress. The disturbing material might cause a physical or mental reaction.

For example, a sexual assault scene may cause a rape survivor to re-experience the fear they felt when they were assaulted. Photos of death and destruction might cause a war veteran to break down emotionally.

A trigger warning might help prevent such reactions. They give survivors the choice to engage with or disengage from the content. These warnings may also stop people from being blindsided by triggering words or images.

What are examples of trigger warnings?

Trigger warnings are used for different types of content and in many scenarios. They may be written on a class syllabus or spoken before a documentary. You might see one on a DVD cover or hear one before a radio show.

Here are some examples of materials that may use trigger warnings:

A video that has extreme profanity, violence, or gore
A class that discusses the history of hate crimes against Black people, Jewish people, or Native Americans
A television series that has graphic depictions of sexual assault
A news program that shows images of mass destruction and human loss
A podcast that talks about violent acts toward people in the LGBTQ community
A social media post that describes suicide or eating disorder symptoms

Is there a difference between a content warning and a trigger warning?

The terms “trigger warning” and “content warning” are often used interchangeably. They both forewarn you about possible distressing material in something you’re about to read, listen to, or watch. But content warning is a general term. It suggests the material may have sensitive content that may upset or offend anyone.

A trigger warning is more specific. It’s meant to alert people who have experienced trauma or who have PTSD. It doesn’t mean that you will get triggered. Every trauma survivor is triggered by different stimuli. A warning lets you know that you might get triggered.

In written works, you may see the abbreviations “TW” before a trigger warning and “CW” before a content warning.

Why are trigger warnings controversial?

The controversy surrounding trigger warnings stems mostly from university campuses. Students are asking for trigger warnings for course descriptions. They want to know if a class they’re taking might expose them to disturbing discussions.

Some universities have complied. They believe that trigger warnings improve positive learning experiences, promote human courtesy, and support mental health in students.

But studies suggest that trigger warnings may not be helpful at all. Some research suggests that people who were forewarned about troubling content had the same level of distress as those who weren’t.

What’s more, some researchers think that trigger warnings could unintentionally reinforce a trauma survivor’s view that their trauma is central to their identity. But more research is needed on how trigger warnings affect those who have PTSD.

University professors who are against trigger warnings say they limit academic freedom, coddle students, and place an unfair burden on professors. Moreso, warnings might actually harm students because they promote avoiding their trauma instead of facing it.

What should you do if you’re worried about being triggered?

You can't always depend on content or a conversation to come with a trigger warning. Things can trigger you in your daily life without warning, like when you go out to lunch with colleagues or scroll social media. A coworker may unintentionally say something that triggers a flashback or a Facebook friend may post a video that brings back painful memories.

If you get triggered, there are things you can do to restabilize your emotions.

Know your triggers. A trigger may be something as simple as one word like “rape” or more complex, like a detailed description of a violent act. Take note of the words or situations that remind you of the traumatic experience. You may even want to write them down.
Give yourself space. Excuse yourself from an uncomfortable discussion. Take a bathroom break or go for a walk. Give yourself time to calm your emotions and collect your thoughts.
Remind yourself that it’s normal to feel unsettled. This validates your feelings and past experiences.
Engage in grounding activities. Focus on pleasant sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch. Take slow, deep breaths. Do whatever you can to rebalance your emotions.
Think about a happy or comforting memory. Camp there for at least 12 seconds, long enough to create new connections in your brain between your trigger and more positive feelings. It's a bonus if you can think about what you saw, heard, and felt during that time.

The bottom line

Trigger warnings intend to help trauma survivors by giving them a heads up about content they may find disturbing. You can find warnings in books, movies, course syllabi, and more. Some research suggests that trigger warnings may not help trauma survivors, but universities and content producers may still use them. You can protect yourself from triggers by identifying them, working with a therapist, and using coping strategies, such as grounding and self-soothing techniques.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a content creator who focuses on acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP

Mona Bapat, PhD, HSPP, has 15 years of clinical experience providing therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Indiana and Illinois with treatment experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy modalities.

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