Introduction
Imagine yourself on a train, the rhythmic clatter of wheels beneath you, when suddenly chaos erupts. The question is no longer about what book to read or what sandwich to eat, but what kind of person you are. Do you rise, a hero in the making, or do you flee, saving yourself from the abyss? This dichotomy is as compelling as it is simplistic, and perhaps its time we reconsider our understanding of these primal instincts.
The Claim
The recent attack on a Cambridgeshire train has reopened the age-old debate: in moments of crisis, are you one to fight or to flee? Emma Kavanagh, a psychologist veteran of the police and military, suggests that both responses have their value. But does this binary truly encompass the spectrum of human reaction?
What We Found
Our instincts are products of evolution, honed for survival. The fight-or-flight response is a classic narrative, but research indicates a third option often overlooked: the tend-and-befriend response, particularly prominent in women. This response involves seeking social alliances and nurturing others, perhaps counterintuitively, as a survival mechanism. Scientific studies, such as those from the University of California, underscore this broader palette of reactions beyond mere combat or retreat.
Cultural Context or Why It Matters
Historical narratives glorify heroes, from Achilles to Batman, suggesting that valor is synonymous with confrontation. Yet, in a digital age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, understanding the full array of human responses is crucial. Do we judge a persons worth by their courage or by their wisdom to choose safety? In our quest for identity, should we not also celebrate those who navigate chaos with strategic retreat or social cohesion?
The Sources
- “The Neurobiology of Stress and Its Relation to PTSD” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Tend and Befriend Theory” – University of California Studies
- “Fight, Flight, or Freeze: The Science Behind Our Reactions to Threat” – psychologytoday.com
The SaltAngelBlueVerdict: Misleading The claim oversimplifies human behaviour, ignoring the nuanced responses beyond fight or flight.
