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."
  
• "Innocent" observations  "I notices that your wife was flirting with me."
• Teasing "Hey, four-eyes!"
• Humiliating statements -"You are too old to be dressed that way."
• Dismissing comments "Your opinion does not matter."
• Put downs "My little sister shoots better pool than you do."
• Profanity "You son of a ..."
• Sarcasm "I thought you were a good drive."
• Accusations "You went out with my girl didn't you?"
• Guilt "You should know better than..."
• Ultimatums "This is your last to leave!"
  

Nonverbal Sounds

• Groaning
• Sighing
• Clucking sound
• "Tsk, tsk"

Voice Quality, Tone, and Volume

• Whining (trying to irritate)
• Flatness (suggesting "I'm not here.")
• Cold, frosty tone (suggesting "I'm here, but you'll never be able to reach me.")
• Throaty, constricted (suggesting controlled fury)
• Loud, harsh quality (attempting to intimidate)
• Mocking, contemptuous tone (trying to get your goat)
• Mumbling under your breath (making him guess what you said)
• Snickering (demeaning, putting down)
• Snarling ("Back off!")
  

Gestures Using Hands and Arms

• Pointing a finger (accusation)
• Shaking a fist (intimidation)
• "Flipping the bird" (obscenity)
• Folded arms ("You can't get to me.")
• Waving away (dismissal)
• Chopping motion (cutting off)

Facial Expressions

• Looking away, looking at the floor (abandonment)
• Rolling eyes ("Not that again.")
• Narrowing eyes (threatening)
• Eyes wide (incredulous disbelief)
• Grimacing ("I don't like that.")
• Sneering (disparaging)
• Frowning (disapproving)
• Tightening lips (suppressed anger)
• Raising an eyebrow ("Watch it, buster.")
• Scowling (annoyance)
  

Body Movements

• Shaking head ("No, no, no!")
• Shrugging shoulders ("I give up.")
• Tapping a foot or a finger (annoyance)
• Moving or leaning toward (intimidating)
• Moving or turning away (abandonment)
• Hands on hips (exasperation)
• Quick movements or pacing (increased agitation)
• Kicking or throwing objects (anger getting out of control)
• Pushing or grabbing (angry physical contact)