A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Trigger Warnings, Content Warnings, and Content Notes
Victoria M. E. Bridgland, Payton J. Jones, Benjamin W. Bellet
Abstract
<jats:p> Trigger warnings, content warnings, or content notes are alerts about upcoming content that may contain themes related to past negative experiences. Advocates claim that warnings help people to emotionally prepare for or completely avoid distressing material. Critics argue that warnings both contribute to a culture of avoidance at odds with evidence-based treatment practices and instill fear about upcoming content. A body of psychological research has recently begun to empirically investigate these claims. We present the results of a meta-analysis of all empirical studies on the effects of these warnings. Overall, we found that warnings had no effect on affective responses to negative material or on educational outcomes. However, warnings reliably increased anticipatory affect. Findings on avoidance were mixed, suggesting either that warnings have no effect on engagement with material or that they increased engagement with negative material under specific circumstances. Limitations and implications for policy and therapeutic practice are discussed. </jats:p>
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Community Reviews
kayo
12/16/2025
No rating
- most people aren't skilled @ emotional prep, so even tho tws might warn ppl abt reaction they might have, they don't explain how to reduce said reaction -> increased anticipatory distress - possible pandora effect/forbidden-fruit effect bc tws didn't increase avoidance - personal thoughts: tws work on a specific selective basis and are overall fine if they can help ANYone