Trigger (psychological) — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Trigger (psychological): a brief history

The technical use of “trigger” in MUDs and other online games dates back to the early days of these platforms, where scripting and automation were essential for enhancing gameplay and managing complex tasks.

The rest of this entry will focus solely on the first definition of trigger, which has to do with the well-being of players.

How it's used today

Players mention psychological triggers most often in places where safety and comfort are important during roleplay. These conversations usually come up during game setup, in content warnings, or when discussing personal boundaries with other players.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, Social media RPG, RPI, RPE

Trigger (psychological) examples

• Avoiding graphic descriptions of violence after agreeing it’s a trigger for one of the players.
• Implementing a safe word in a game that, when mentioned, pauses gameplay to address and resolve any issues related to content discomfort. (For examples and other suggestions, see: ERP and consent in games.)
• Creating a content warning before a session starts, indicating the discussion of potentially triggering themes like psychological horror or explicit violence.

Myths and misconceptions

1. Triggers are about being overly sensitive. Triggers are legitimate psychological responses based on past traumas or intense negative experiences. Respecting them isn’t about coddling; it’s about fostering a supportive community environment.
2. Only certain topics are triggers. Anything could potentially be a trigger depending on an individual’s experiences. It’s important to maintain open lines of communication and to be mindful of the diverse backgrounds players may come from.
3. Triggers can always be predicted or identified ahead of time. Not all triggers are obvious or known to the person themselves, so players may not always be able to list them in advance. This is why an open, understanding approach is important during gameplay.
4. If someone is triggered, it means the game or storyteller has failed. Experiencing a trigger does not mean anyone did something wrong—triggers can arise unexpectedly, even in the most mindful environments. How the situation is handled is what truly matters.
5. Once a trigger has been discussed, it’s no longer an issue. Triggers can change over time, and comfort levels may vary with different situations or groups. It is important to continue checking in and adapting as needed.

Trigger (psychological) FAQs

How can I identify what might be a trigger for others in a game?

Identifying potential triggers involves communication and sensitivity to the experiences of others. Common triggers can include topics like violence, abuse, and mental health issues. It’s helpful to discuss with your group what content everyone is comfortable exploring in your game sessions.

What should I do if I accidentally trigger another player?

If you inadvertently trigger another player, the best approach is to apologize sincerely, ask them how you can avoid similar situations in the future, and give them space if needed. Ensuring that your gaming environment feels safe for everyone is key to a positive experience.

What is the difference between a psychological trigger and a MUD client trigger?

A psychological trigger pertains to emotional responses invoked by certain topics or scenarios that might cause discomfort or distress. A MUD client trigger, however, is a technical tool in text-based games that executes predefined actions automatically, enhancing gameplay and efficiency.

Are there tools to manage triggers in roleplaying games?

Yes, many roleplaying groups use tools like content warnings (CWs) or trigger lists to manage and communicate about sensitive topics. These tools help players prepare for or avoid content that might be harmful to them, ensuring a more inclusive and comfortable gaming experience.

For an example of a consent checklist which can be used to manage triggers, see this post.

What does it mean to be triggered?

When a player is said to be triggered, it means they’ve had a negative reaction to a topic or action. Players can be triggered by things that happen in-game as well as outside of it, such as in the game’s community Discord channel or online forums.