Psychology Today | 23.01.2026 05:20
For years, the word trigger has been a staple in mental health language. The concept of psychological triggers, especially in PTSD, originates from both classical conditioning principles (Pavlov, Watson) and observations of war veterans (e.g., "shell shock"). Today, however, trigger has escaped the therapy office and entered pop culture, social media, and everyday conversation. In the process, it has lost much of its meaning—and, worse, may be causing harm.
