Trigger word: a word that initiates a process or course of action.
This course of action involves getting someone to do something. Maybe the title of a blog post gets them to click on it; the title of a movie may be enough to get them to want to watch it because it contains words that they find interesting, or inspiring (for several examples of trigger words, go here). Or, it may be that those who use these words seek to manipulate your behavior for their own selfish purposes (e.g. greed, exploitation, sex).
We also have the psychological term triggers which are sensory reminders that cause painful memories or certain symptoms to resurface.
I often post trigger warnings when I share material from my autobiography on this blog, in order to prepare people for painful memories that may resurface. If they want to avoid these things, they can refrain from reading my material. However, there are people who would use such triggers in order to manipulate people’s minds and behavior. This is a common tactic used in primary relationships when people want to control their spouse, or partner. It is a gaslighting technique – learn more about this insidious form of abuse here.
An example of the way an abuser may use emotional triggers would be to constantly talk about alcoholism to their partner who was raised by an abusive alcoholic. This individual would have traumatic memories of their childhood that would be triggered by such talk (even the smell of alcohol could initiate flashbacks). Additionally, they may fear becoming like their parent, so any mention of their affliction may provoke tremendous anxiety. This anxiety may then be used by the abusive partner to manipulate (restrict) them. The ultimate goal would be to make them completely dependent on them (the abuser): it’s a power trip.
If you should find yourself anywhere near such people, save yourself: kick’em to the curb.
Helen
