Student reactions to traumatic material in literature: Implications for trigger warnings

Abstract

Introduction While trigger warnings have garnered significant debate, few studies have investigated how students typically respond to potentially triggering material. Method In this study, three hundred and fifty-five undergraduate students from four universities read a passage describing incidences of both physical and sexual assault. Longitudinal measures of subjective distress, PTSD symptoms, and emotional reactivity were taken. Results Greater than 96% of participants read the triggering passage even when given a non-triggering alternative to read. Of those who read the triggering passage, those with triggering traumas did not report more distress although those with higher PTSD scores did. Two weeks later, those with trigger traumas and/or PTSD did not report an increase in trauma symptoms as a result of reading the triggering passage. Conclusions Students with relevant traumas do not avoid triggering material and the effects appear to be brief. Students with PTSD do not report an exacerbation of symptoms two weeks later as a function of reading the passage.

Online arts and culture for mental health in young people: a qualitative interview study

“…Participants described that cancel culture [42] and trigger warnings were unhelpful. This is consistent with recent studies demonstrating that even young people with relevant traumas do not avoid triggering material and the effects of triggering material appear to be short-lived, even in those with PTSD [43]. Taking this a step further, the participants in this study felt that a lack of divergent views was detrimental to mental health.…”

Online arts and culture for mental health in young people: a qualitative interview study

“…Participants described that cancel culture45 and trigger warnings were unhelpful. This is consistent with recent studies demonstrating that even young people with relevant traumas do not avoid triggering material and the effects of triggering material appear to be short-lived, even in those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 46. Taking this a step further, the participants in this study felt that a lack of divergent views was detrimental to mental health.…”

Digital Arts And Culture For Mental Health In People Aged 16-24: A Qualitative Interview Study

“…Participants described that cancel culture [30] and trigger warnings were unhelpful. This is consistent with recent studies demonstrating that even young people with relevant traumas do not avoid triggering material and the effects of triggering material appear to be short-lived, even in those with PTSD [31]. To take this a step further, the participants in this study felt that a lack of divergent views was detrimental to mental health.…”