Trigger Behaviors

Trigger behaviors are verbal or non-verbal behaviors that usually precede and precipitate a violent outburst. The following is a list of trigger behaviors that tend to precede or escalate confrontations.

Verbal Behaviors

• Giving advice "You should not drive, you are too drunk."
• Global labeling "All you women are alike..."
• Criticism "That's not a good parking job, you almost hit my car."
• Blaming "If it weren't for you, I would not have hit the car."
• Abrupt limit setting "That's it, I've had it." "Forget it." "Stop this instant!"
• Threatening "If you don't shut up right now..."
• Using expletives "Dammit!" "Shit!"
• Complaining "The whole town is against me."
• Stonewalling "There is nothing more to talk about."
• Mind reading or assuming "I know what you people think about me."
  • Prev
  • Next >>