The fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, refers to the physiological reaction that occurs when in the presence of something mentally or physically terrifying. This response is triggered by the release of hormones that prepare your body to either stay and deal with a threat or to run away to safety. Show
The three stages of fight-or-flight are:
Evolution of the Fight-or-Flight ResponseThe term "fight-or-flight" represents the choices our ancient ancestors had when faced with danger in their environment: to either fight or flee. In either case, the physiological and psychological response to stress prepares the body to react to the danger. In the 1920s, American physiologist Walter Cannon was the first to describe the fight-or-flight response. Cannon realized that a chain of rapidly occurring reactions inside the body helped to mobilize the body's resources to deal with threatening circumstances. Today, the fight-or-flight response is recognized as part of the first stage of Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome, a theory describing the stress response. What Happens During the Fight-or-Flight ResponseIn response to acute stress, the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated by the sudden release of hormones. Fight-or-flight response hormones include adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone. These hormones cause the sympathetic nervous system to stimulate the pituitary gland and adrenal glands. This triggers the release of catecholamines, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. This chain of reactions results in an increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Your body can stay in fight-or-flight for 20 to 60 minutes after the threat is gone, which is how long it takes for the parasympathetic nervous system to return it to pre-arousal levels. The sympathetic nervous system promotes the fight-or-flight response while the parasympathetic nervous system helps calm the body once the threat is gone. Physical Signs of a Fight-or-Flight ResponsePhysical signs that can indicate that your fight-or-flight response has kicked in include:
You can probably think of a time when you experienced the fight-or-flight response. When faced with something frightening, you can feel your heartbeat quicken, you may start breathing faster, and your entire body becomes tense and ready to take action. Impact of the Fight-or-Flight ResponseThere are both benefits and drawbacks to the fight-or-flight response. Benefits of Fight-or-FlightThe fight-or-flight response plays a critical role in how we deal with stress and danger in our environment. When we are under threat, the response prepares the body to either fight or flee. By priming your body for action, you are better prepared to perform under pressure. The stress created by the situation can actually be helpful, making it more likely that you will cope effectively with the threat. This type of stress can help you perform better in situations where you are under pressure to do well, such as at work or school. Some experts suggest that the flight-or-flight response may even provide benefits when the urge to fight others in an attempt to harm them is, instead, transformed into the urge to fight to protect them. This may be beneficial when the fight-or-flight response is triggered by negative emotions such as anger and fear. And in cases where the threat is life-threatening, the fight-or-flight response plays a critical role in your survival. By gearing you up to fight or flee, the fight-or-flight response makes it more likely that you will survive the danger. Learning Brain vs. Survival Brain: What's the Difference? Drawbacks of Fight-or-FlightWhile the fight-or-flight response happens automatically, that doesn't mean that it is always accurate. Sometimes we respond in this way even when there is no real threat. This is because the fight-or-flight response can be triggered by both real and imaginary threats. Phobias are good examples of how the fight-or-flight response might be falsely triggered in the face of a perceived threat. Constantly being in a state of fight-or-flight, such as when facing repeated stressors, can also be harmful to your health. Chronic stress can increase your risk of:
Is Anxiety a Fight-or-Flight Response?Some research indicates that the body's desire to fight or flee can increase a person's risk of developing an anxiety disorder, making them more vulnerable to this type of mental health condition. Examples of the Fight-or-Flight ResponseThe fight-or-flight response can happen in the face of imminent physical danger, such as when encountering a growling dog during your morning jog. It can also be the result of a psychological threat, such as preparing to give a big presentation at school or work. Another example of the flight-or-fight response is if a person who is terrified of heights has to go to the top floor of a skyscraper to attend a meeting. Their body might go on high alert, with their heartbeat and respiration rate increasing. If the response is severe, it can lead to a panic attack. Fight or Flight Theory of Panic Disorder How to Calm a Fight-or-Flight ResponseUnderstanding the body's natural fight-or-flight response is one way to help cope with such situations. When you notice that you are becoming tense, you can start looking for ways to calm down and relax your body. Ways to calm the fight-or-flight response include:
Techniques to Tame the Fight-or-Flight Response Psychology and the Fight-or-Flight ResponseThe stress response is one of the major topics studied in the rapidly-growing field of health psychology. Health psychologists are interested in helping people find ways to combat stress and live healthier, more productive lives. By learning more about the fight-or-flight response, psychologists can help people explore new ways to deal with their natural reactions to stress. What nerves prepare the body for emergencies and stress?Your sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system's activity increases when you're stressed, in danger or physically active.
Which nerves prepare the body for emergencies and stress as part of the fight or flight response quizlet?1. Sympathetic Nervous System: prepares body for "fight or flight" response during potential danger.
Which part of the nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response in emergency situations quizlet?The sympathetic nervous system arouses the body and expends energy. It is responsible for our fight and flight response.
What is parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system?The parasympathetic part of your autonomic nervous system balances your sympathetic nervous system. While your sympathetic nervous system controls your body's “fight or flight” response, your parasympathetic nervous system helps to control your body's response during times of rest.
|