The trigger warning debate evokes strong views on both sides. Some see them as helpful notifications about  potentially disturbing content, while others see them as coddling.

What’s missing from the conversation is solid research. In this episode of the Michigan Minds podcast, PhD student Izzy Gainsburg talks about his study on the effectiveness of trigger warnings.

Gainsburg, a doctoral candidate in social psychology, says there’s little empirical data about whether trigger warnings work as intended, yet some institutions have already instituted official policies on them one way or the other.

“The idea that an untested thing like trigger warnings would enter policy seems premature,” he said.

Listen to the podcast at Michigan Public Engagement.