Story perspectives

Reddit Shows Odd Triggers; Psychologists Decry Word Overuse

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Reddit thread with over 400 comments highlighted unconventional triggers such as Spaghettios and body-wax smell.
Clinical psychologists in West Palm Beach, Florida, say the word “trigger” is overused and weakens its clinical meaning.
Schonbrun of Brown University says public use of psychological terms can lower stigma but may diminish trauma survivors’ experiences.
Experts warn casual overuse of “trigger” may foster unhealthy coping among those without genuine trauma.

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Story summary

A Reddit thread with over 400 comments highlighted unconventional triggers such as Spaghettios and body-wax smell.
Clinical psychologists in West Palm Beach, Florida, say the word “trigger” is overused and weakens its clinical meaning.
Schonbrun of Brown University says public use of psychological terms can lower stigma but may diminish trauma survivors’ experiences.
Experts warn casual overuse of “trigger” may foster unhealthy coping among those without genuine trauma.