Eiko Fried ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

We're discussing #TriggerWarnings today. I know a bit about the recent empirical literature & evidence, & want to make sure pro-TW viewpoints are reflected in our discussions as well. Can you help out?

I'm particular interested in TWs in the context of clinical psych masters. Specifically
1) why should TWs be included
2) how should they look like
3) what is their exact function

Thanks!

Nov 14, 2022 at 12:39pmWeb
Show threadSebastian KarcherNov 14, 2022
@eikofried I think the comment you got on the birdsite was excellent: I think a good pro-warning approach avoids the trauma-specific language of "trigger" & uses something like CW (ha!) and views it more as an issue of consent/choice or even convenience.
Show threadEiko Fried ʕ•ᴥ•ʔNov 14, 2022
@adam42smith 100%
Show threadOdyNov 14, 2022

@eikofried @adam42smith

Seconding this. To me, CWs are about consent.

Show threadNatasha A TongeNov 14, 2022

@eikofried I liked Danielle Navarro's description of content warnings for Mastodon as a way of thinking about it in digital space https://blog.djnavarro.net/posts/2022-11-03_what-i-know-about-mastodon/

I have also come to think this: In therapy/based on literature we target avoidance. But this is a consensual treatment relationship. When a CW/TW is framed as a heads-up, in a matter of fact way I'd like to think it can serve as respectful acknowledgement w/o encouraging avoidance

Everything I know about Mastodon – Notes from a data witch

A hastily written guide for data science folks trying to navigate the fediverse.

Notes from a data witch
Show threadTom RodebaughNov 14, 2022

@Nattonge @eikofried Also, CWs as used here (there is content, pick whether you want it or not) is functionally different than TWs as studied AFAIK (content is coming whether you like it or not, but here's a warning).

I'm not sure that choosing not to engage in material that annoys you (for example) has much to do with avoidance that maintains psychological symptoms...

Show threadRebecca M. TownsendNov 14, 2022
@eikofried I had first been exposed to the concept (but not the phrase) in my preservice teaching education in early 90s. It was good practice, my profs explained, to introduce subject matter to students rather than spring subjects on them. In this way, explained my favorite prof, the late Dr. Ken Brown, students could focus on what they are to learn rather than focus on their surprise or other emotional response.
Show threadRebecca M. TownsendNov 14, 2022

@eikofried what's more, thinking of #Introductions as #rhetoric helps teachers remember that the introduction (or cw or tw) function rhetorically. They connect the speaker with the audience, help with ethos, provide context & overview of where what comes next fits in with what has been happening.

The term "trigger" feels pathologizing. "Introductions" is a generic (as in #genre) way to accomplish much of what tw or CW do w/o the added baggage.

Show threadBea ResNov 15, 2022
@RMTownsend @eikofried welcome to Mastodon, Rebecca! 🤗
Show threadRebecca M. TownsendNov 15, 2022

@beatrice @eikofried and welcome to you too!

It's pretty nice here.

Show threadHelena PatersonNov 14, 2022
@eikofried At our place we say content advice. It is not a warning and it is not a trigger, but rather advice that sensitive topics are coming up. Two reasons. One to not surprise students with sensitive stuff. Second is to remind them to be careful of those around them and think before they speak. But language such as warnings and triggers suggests these topics are something to be scared of, so worry, anxiety and fear should accompany them. Advice invites respect, for the topic and each other
Show threadDr Mircea Zloteanu 🌺🌞🍃Nov 15, 2022

@eikofried this might be relevant http://dx.doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/qav9m

i also recall a lot of PTSD and phobia clinicians voice strong opposition to the concept of tw.

Show threadCrystal SteltenpohlNov 15, 2022
@eikofried There are also a lot of I think fair critiques of the current literature that showcase the disconnect between how TWs are used in experiments with how people advocate for them being used in real life, e.g., a TW is not "hey I'm gonna tell you you're gonna read something triggering and then immediately show it to you." It's been a while since I engaged with the literature but I remember being really unimpressed with what people were doing early on.