Pulling the Trigger: A Systematic Literature Review of Trigger Warnings as a Strategy for Reducing Traumatization in Higher Education
Article
Article Title | Pulling the Trigger: A Systematic Literature Review of Trigger Warnings as a Strategy for Reducing Traumatization in Higher Education |
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ERA Journal ID | 36168 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Bryce, India (Author), Horwood, Nicola (Author), Cantrell, Kate (Author) and Gildersleeve, Jessica (Author) |
Journal Title | Trauma, Violence and Abuse: a review journal |
Journal Citation | 24 (4), pp. 2882-2894 |
Number of Pages | 13 |
Year | 2023 |
Place of Publication | United States |
ISSN | 1552-8324 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221118968 |
Web Address (URL) | https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15248380221118968 |
Abstract | In the academic context, trigger warnings can be defined as explicit statements that alert a group of learners that certain content explored or discussed in a learning environment may contain potentially distressing material. Extant research highlights a relationship between traumatization and trigger warnings; however, the extent to which trigger warnings constitute a method of best practice for reducing traumatization in higher education has not been addressed. Thus, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore this relationship. A search conducted across academic databases to locate peer-reviewed articles published between November 2010 and November 2020, combined three areas of interest: (1) “trigger warnings,” (2) “best practice,” and (3) “higher education.” Database searches and further manual searches yielded a total of 194 journal articles. Of these, 20 studies satisfied all inclusion criteria. Following the data extraction process, thematic analysis was employed to identify, analyze, and report patterns within data. The key themes identified through the review include trigger warnings as inclusive practice, as part of trauma-informed pedagogy, as ineffectual practice, and as harmful practice. The evidence suggests that when embedded as part of a broader, holistic, and trauma-informed approach, trigger warnings can be a valuable tool for assisting with the effective reduction of traumatization in the higher education context. |
Keywords | trigger warnings, trauma, traumatization, higher education |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 390412. Teacher and student wellbeing |
390303. Higher education | |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Southern Queensland |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q7qqq/pulling-the-trigger-a-systematic-literature-review-of-trigger-warnings-as-a-strategy-for-reducing-traumatization-in-higher-education
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