Ace the 2025 Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Exam – Become a Prevention Pro!

The term "Trigger Words" refers to specific terms or phrases that elicit strong emotional reactions, causing distractions that impede effective listening. These words can evoke intense feelings, whether positive or negative, which often lead individuals to react rather than engage in constructive dialogue. Because of the emotional charge they carry, trigger words can make it difficult for listeners to remain focused on the conversation, resulting in misunderstandings or conflicts.

In contrast, code words, cue words, and signal words do not inherently carry the same level of emotional intensity. Code words might refer to phrases that convey hidden meanings within certain groups, while cue and signal words are typically used to guide conversations or indicate a change in topic without necessarily causing emotional disruption. Thus, these terms do not encapsulate the phenomenon of blocking effective listening in the same way that trigger words do.