TRIGGERS: THINK DEEPER
What is a trigger in social-emotional terms?
An unwelcome event, situation, or sensation that causes uncomfortable feelings.
What is a spark?
A welcome event, situation, or sensation that causes strong feelings of joy.
What usually happens after a trigger if it’s not managed?
Big emotions, shutdown, meltdown, or stress.
Is it possible for the same thing to be both a trigger and a spark?
Yes.
You feel irritated when plans change. Is this more likely a trigger or a spark?
Trigger.
Name one physical sensation that could act as a trigger for someone.
Loud noises, itchy clothing, hunger, headache, strong smells, etc.
Name one sensory spark someone might have.
Music, soft blankets, favorite smells, visual patterns, etc.
What emotion might follow a spark?
Joy, calm, excitement, motivation.
Give an example of something that might be a trigger one day and a spark another day.
Socializing, noise, being alone, competition.
You feel energized after helping someone. Trigger or spark?
Spark.
True or False: If something triggers you, it means it is “bad” for everyone.
False — triggers are personal.
True or False: Sparks are always social.
False — many are personal or sensory.
Why can triggers sometimes lead to behavior that looks “rude” or “lazy”?
Because the person is dysregulated, not choosing to misbehave.
Why is it important to respect other people’s triggers even if you don’t share them?
Because everyone’s nervous system is different.
A substitute teacher arrives unexpectedly. Name one possible trigger and one possible spark.
Trigger: unpredictability / Spark: new experience.
Why might unexpected changes be triggering for some people?
They reduce predictability and sense of control.
Why are sparks useful during stressful moments?
They can help regulate emotions and bring calm or joy.
How can sparks affect decision-making?
They can increase motivation and flexible thinking.
What’s one flexible thought you can use when something triggers you?
“I can handle this,” “This won’t last forever,” etc.
If loud noise is your trigger, what’s a smart coping strategy?
Headphones, asking for a break, deep breathing.
Explain why two people can experience the same event, but only one feels triggered.
Different experiences, sensory needs, expectations, or emotional histories.
Explain how knowing your sparks can help you recover faster after a trigger.
You can intentionally use them to regulate emotions.
Describe a chain reaction starting with a trigger and ending with a coping strategy.
Trigger → emotion → body reaction → coping strategy.
Explain how flexible thinking can turn a small trigger into a manageable situation.
It reduces emotional intensity and increases coping.
Create a personal plan: name one trigger, one spark, and one strategy to use when triggered.
Student-specific answer.