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Triggers (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Executive coach and psychologist Marshall Goldsmith discusses the emotional triggers that set off a reaction or a behavior in us that often works to our detriment. Do you find that at times you suddenly become defensive or enraged by an idle comment from a colleague? Or that your temper rises when another car cuts you off in traffic? Your reactions don't occur in a vacuum. They are the result of emotional and psychological triggers that often happen only in specific settings -- at meetings, or in competitive situations, or with a… Sign up for the full guide

Adult • 2015 • 244 pages • Lexile 1100L (roughly grades 8–9 reading difficulty)

4.2
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Age
12+

This parent guide provides information for the non-fiction business book 'Triggers' by Marshall Goldsmith (2015), which should not be confused with the fictional plot of Stephen King's 'The Stand' erroneously provided in some summaries. The book is a professional development guide focused on behavioral psychology, self-discipline, and environmental influences on adult behavior. It is entirely appropriate for teenagers interested in… Sign up for the full guide

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Is Triggers appropriate for kids?

This parent guide provides information for the non-fiction business book 'Triggers' by Marshall Goldsmith (2015), which should not be confused with the fictional plot of Stephen King's 'The Stand' erroneously provided in some summaries. The book is a professional development… Read more — free account

Content severity in Triggers

Sex None 0/10
Violence Mild 2/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Mild 2/10

What happens in Triggers, moment by moment

  1. p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  2. p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
  3. p. 45 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Triggers

There is no sexual content or nudity present in this book. As a professional development guide, the text focuses entirely on behavioral psychology and self-improvement strategies. The narrative maintains a clinical and educational tone, omitting any references to romantic or sexual relationships. Readers will find the content strictly focused on professional environments and individual discipline. This absence of romantic themes makes it highly appropriate for educational settings or young readers interested in…

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Violence and gore in Triggers

None. The only mentions of conflict involve common workplace disagreements or minor road rage used as psychological examples of 'triggers.' Marshall Goldsmith discusses how an individual might feel an impulse toward anger during a traffic jam or when receiving critical feedback from a supervisor. These instances are analyzed as internal emotional states rather than physical altercations. The text emphasizes de-escalation and the removal of hostile impulses through self-regulation. There are no scenes of physical…

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Language in Triggers

Very mild. Occasional professional clinical terms or very mild profanity (e.g., 'hell') may appear in the context of describing human frustration, but the book is generally clean. Words like 'damn' or 'stupid' are used sparingly to describe a character's internal monologue or a client's honest confession about their own shortcomings. The tone is that of a business coach speaking to a professional audience, which necessitates a high standard of decorum. There are no racial slurs, graphic vulgarities, or excessive…

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Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Triggers

None. There are no mentions of drug use or alcohol consumption for recreational purposes. The book occasionally references physical health in the context of 'energy levels' or 'dieting' as part of a discipline regimen, but it does not detail the use of controlled substances. Even in case studies involving high-powered executives, the focus remains on their behavioral choices rather than social drinking or substance abuse. The text promotes a healthy, alert lifestyle as a means to achieve better personal control…

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Mature themes in Triggers

The book focuses on psychological themes of accountability, behavioral change, self-regulation, and the impact of the environment on personal integrity. Goldsmith explores how the 'Planner' in our minds is often at odds with the 'Doer,' leading to a sense of personal failure or regret. He addresses the concept of 'ego depletion,' where a person’s willpower fades throughout the day due to decision fatigue. The text also touches on the fear of change and the humility required to admit that one needs help from…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Triggers appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Triggers is best for ages 12+. This parent guide provides information for the non-fiction business book 'Triggers' by Marshall Goldsmith (2015), which should not be confused with the fictional plot of Stephen King's 'The Stand' erroneously provided…

What age rating does Triggers have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. Triggers is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 12+.

What reading level is Triggers?

Triggers is 244 pages and its reading level is Lexile 1100L (roughly grades 8–9 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Triggers about?

This parent guide provides information for the non-fiction business book 'Triggers' by Marshall Goldsmith (2015), which should not be confused with the fictional plot of Stephen King's 'The Stand' erroneously provided in some summaries. The book is a professional development guide focused on behavioral psychology…

Is there sex or nudity in Triggers?

There is no sexual content or nudity present in this book. As a professional development guide, the text focuses entirely on behavioral psychology and self-improvement strategies. The narrative maintains a clinical and educational tone, omitting any…

How violent is Triggers?

None. The only mentions of conflict involve common workplace disagreements or minor road rage used as psychological examples of 'triggers.' Marshall Goldsmith discusses how an individual might feel an impulse toward anger during a traffic jam or when…

Is the language in Triggers appropriate for kids?

Very mild. Occasional professional clinical terms or very mild profanity (e.g., 'hell') may appear in the context of describing human frustration, but the book is generally clean. Words like 'damn' or 'stupid' are used sparingly to describe a character's…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Triggers?

None. There are no mentions of drug use or alcohol consumption for recreational purposes. The book occasionally references physical health in the context of 'energy levels' or 'dieting' as part of a discipline regimen, but it does not detail the use of…

What mature themes appear in Triggers?

The book focuses on psychological themes of accountability, behavioral change, self-regulation, and the impact of the environment on personal integrity. Goldsmith explores how the 'Planner' in our minds is often at odds with the 'Doer,' leading to a sense of…

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