FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

  1. Stressor/threat perceived → triggers the hypothalamus

  2. Hypothalamus triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which switches from the parasympathetic state (normal resting state) to the sympathetic state (state of arousal)

  3. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream from the adrenal gland

  4. Body goes into fight or flight mode

  5. Once the stressor/threat has passed, the sympathetic nervous system returns the body to its normal resting state (parasympathetic state)

→ The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system - its actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system

EVALUATION

Research Support:

→ PHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT

  • Physiological evidence supports the fight-or-flight response.

  • Studies show that when stressed, the body releases adrenaline, which increases heart rate, sends blood to muscles, and prepares the body for action.

  • This evidence suggests the fight-or-flight is not just theoretical but can be observed in real-life stress situations.

  • The fact that these physiological changes can be measured provides scientific credibility to the theory.

Conflicting Evidence:

→ OVER-SIMPLIFIED MODEL

  • The fight-or-flight model oversimplified how humans respond to stress.

  • Gray (1988) suggested that freezing is often the first response, allowing the individual to assess the situation before deciding whether to fight or flee.

  • The fight-or-flight model ignores this important initial response, making the theory too limited.

  • A more comprehensive model would consider the full range of possible reactions to stress, not just fight and flight.

→ GENDER DIFFERENCES

  • The fight-or-flight response may not apply equally to all genders.

  • Taylor et al (2000) proposed that females may engage in a ‘tend-and-befriend’ response, protecting offspring and seeking social support rather than fighting or fleeing.

  • This suggests the fight-or-flight model is biased towards male responses and does not account for how females might respond differently to stress.

  • The theory is less valid if it cannot explain the stress response of both men and women.

→ RELEVANCE OF FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT TO MODERN STRESS

  • The fight-or-flight response is not always relevant in modern society.

  • Modern stressors, like exams or work deadlines, do not require physical action, yet the body still activates the fight-or-flight response.

  • Prolonged activation of this response in non-physical situations can lead to health problems, such as chronic stress or heart disease.

  • The fight-or-flight response was useful for physical threats, but today, it might contribute to health issues rather than solving problems.