When Memories Press Play and What Being 'Triggered' Means |
Emotions may be triggered long before the person is aware of what is being recalled or able to reflect on it.
Traumatic memories can bias our attention and shape our current behavior.
While we try to avoid triggers, we may also be constantly scanning for them.
People often say that someone or something has triggered them, usually meaning that a current interaction, event, or situation has activated a memory and an associated emotional response. Although the word “triggered” once referred specifically to a facet of a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, it is now commonly used to express emotions related to trauma, though sometimes not directly connected to it (Bonilla and colleagues, 2024).
A trigger is a signal that recalls a past experience, prompting an emotional response in a person. The origin of a trigger can vary, from a microaggression to a sexual assault, influencing how someone experiences being triggered (Bonilla and colleagues, 2024). Triggered reactions often include negative emotions such as fear, anger, shame, guilt, or disgust, which are linked to past experiences. However, when a current situation resembles the past, sensations and feelings—such as sadness, heaviness, or agitation—may be triggered long before the person is aware of what is being recalled or able to reflect on it. As a result, the body of a triggered individual may react with anxiety, defensiveness, or withdrawal before understanding what is happening internally. Strong trigger responses can activate symptoms, lead to psychological disorders, cause dysfunction, or result in a loss of control (Riachi and colleagues, 2022).
A study examining psychotherapists’ views on triggering factors concluded that everyday events can trigger some individuals but not others, since triggers are closely linked to personal vulnerabilities such as poor coping skills, negative experiences, or past trauma (Riachi and colleagues, 2022). Researchers exploring the use of the word triggered found that the typical experience often involves reminders of sexual assault. However, the word may also refer to experiences like........