Understanding Trigger Warnings

Trigger warnings were originally implemented with good intentions, aiming to prepare individuals for potentially distressing content. Initially utilized in discussions around sexual violence, these warnings have rapidly expanded to encompass a wide array of topics, including racism and classism, as well as classic literature like The Great Gatsby and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. While this may seem humorous, the repercussions are serious. Many educators are opting to eliminate sensitive materials entirely from their curricula to avoid backlash.

I do not inherently oppose the concept of trigger warnings. They were created to prevent harm by allowing individuals to emotionally prepare before confronting material that might evoke past traumas. This sounds reasonable. For instance, if I had a frightening experience with a Doberman in my childhood, I would appreciate knowing if my new neighbors own a large dog, particularly if it’s a Doberman. However, an increasing amount of research indicates that trigger warnings may be ineffective and could even cause more harm than good.

A recent study published in the journal Memory involved around 200 participants who were asked to recall a negative event from the past two weeks. They were split into two groups: one group received a warning that the memory task would be distressing, while the other did not. Afterward, both groups were asked to recall the negative event again.

The findings were concerning. The participants who received a trigger warning did not experience less distress than those who did not receive a warning. In fact, in some measures, they reported feeling more upset. Researchers concluded that these warnings might actually hinder the natural healing process over time. Alarmingly, imagining a trigger warning provoked just as much anxiety as anticipating trauma-related content. What does this imply?

The explanation is straightforward. Trigger warnings can only be beneficial if individuals possess effective coping mechanisms. For instance, I might practice deep breathing techniques before encountering a Doberman or ensure I maintain a safe distance. Most trigger warnings, however, fail to offer such strategies. Often, it is not the pain itself that leads to suffering, but the anxiety surrounding the anticipation of that pain. Trigger warnings may amplify this anticipatory anxiety without alleviating the actual distress.

Another significant issue with trigger warnings is that they tend to reinforce the perception of trauma as a central aspect of a survivor's identity, according to one study. This is concerning, as individuals who define their trauma as a core component of who they are often experience worse symptoms than those who do not. In essence, trigger warnings counteract their intended purpose: instead of shielding victims from flashbacks, they may inadvertently increase the likelihood of re-experiencing pain.

It is time to move away from the excessive and potentially harmful use of trigger warnings and towards more constructive methods: developing skills that make us "trigger-proof."

The Stoic Philosophy: A Practical Approach

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers valuable insights into how we can think about trigger warnings. According to the Stoics, while much of life is beyond our control, we do have command over our opinions, desires, and emotional responses. We all possess remarkable inner strength, but it is the mastery of our internal world that truly matters. Achieving this, the Stoics suggest, can make us "invincible."

Too often, we place our happiness in the hands of external factors: a domineering boss, a capricious friend, or our social media followers. The notable Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who was once a slave, likens our situation to self-imposed bondage. True freedom, he argues, comes from wanting nothing.

Imagine, Epictetus posits, surrendering your body to a stranger on the street. Absurd, right? Yet, we do the same with our minds daily, allowing others to invade our thoughts. It is time to reclaim that mental space.

This is the crux of the issue with trigger warnings. They perpetuate the belief that college students lack the ability to manage their reactions to offensive or distressing material, thus disempowering them. This contradicts Stoic principles. So, should we eliminate all trigger warnings?

Not necessarily; they could still be reserved for genuinely disturbing content rather than for mildly offensive material. More importantly, we should shift the focus from the triggers themselves to the individuals who are triggered. It is essential to equip them with practical coping skills to deal with unsettling content rather than trying to insulate them from it entirely. After all, it is unavoidable that I will encounter dogs, including Dobermans, in my life. While it may be somewhat helpful to warn me about your Doberman, it is far more beneficial for you—or ideally, a trained mental health professional—to provide me with concrete coping strategies for future encounters. Attempting to shield me from such triggers is ultimately counterproductive; it reinforces a victim mentality.

In conclusion, it is crucial to replace the excessive and potentially harmful reliance on trigger warnings with practical skills that empower individuals to be trigger-proof.

This video explores the challenges and implications of trigger warnings in contemporary discussions.

In this video, we examine whether trigger warnings genuinely provide help or if they hinder emotional growth.