What does "triggering" mean?

Question

I looked up self injury on youtube and almost everything i watched had a warning that said "WARNING: This video has images of self injury which may be triggering." what does this mean?

Answer 1

A "trigger" is some sight or sound or event which creates an urge in susceptible individuals to do something. A trigger can be anything, depending on what the person has been taught (either on purpose or accidentally). For example, Pavlov taught his dogs to salivate by ringing a bell... the bell was the "trigger".

For people who are already prone to self-mutilation, watching such a video could create a nearly irresistible urge to do it again. So it isn't advisable for people with that problem to watch those videos.

Answer 2

The word "triggering" means that it could cause some people to get very upset, especially for those that are already dealing with certain issues such as the self injury as in the example you gave and possibly hurt themselves further. You will sometimes see this on online groups too depending on the subject of the group.

Answer 3

I agree with everyone else. In this case ie. for cutters, it's just a warning for people who can't control themselves a 'monkey see, monkey do' type deal.

When used on a sexual abuse forum, 'trigger' would be more related to a PTSD issue than a self control issue.

Answer 4

Trigger = a thought, experience or an event that strongly reminds a person of a traumatic experience causing a post-traumatic stress disorder symptom

Answer 5

The trigger is what will cause certain symptoms/behaviors or conducts.

For example, a paranoid schizophrenic may be triggered experience auditory hallucinations when he/she is on a crowded bus.