Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
1.2 Reaction
The reaction begins in the amygdala, which triggers a neural response in the hypothalamus. The initial reaction is
followed by activation of the pituitary gland and secretion
of the hormone ACTH.[9] The adrenal gland is activated
almost simultaneously and releases the neurotransmitter
epinephrine. The release of chemical messengers results in the production of the hormone cortisol, which increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and suppresses the
immune system.[10] The initial response and subsequent
This response is recognized as the rst stage of a
reactions are triggered in an eort to create a boost of
general adaptation syndrome that regulates stress reenergy. This boost of energy is activated by epinephrine
sponses among vertebrates and other organisms.[6]
binding to liver cells and the subsequent production of
glucose.[11] Additionally, the circulation of cortisol functions to turn fatty acids into available energy, which pre1 Physiology
pares muscles throughout the body for response.[12] Catecholamine hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine)
or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), facilitate immediate
1.1 Autonomic nervous system
physical reactions associated with a preparation for violent muscular action. These include the following:[13]
See also: Autonomic nervous system
Acceleration of heart and lung action
3 COGNITIVE COMPONENTS
creased strength and speed in anticipation of ghting or
running. Some of the specic physiological changes and
their functions include:[14][15]
Increased blood ow to the muscles activated by diverting blood ow from other parts of the body.
Increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugars,
and fats in order to supply the body with extra energy.
The blood clotting function of the body speeds up in
order to prevent excessive blood loss in the event of
an injury sustained during the response.
Increased muscle tension in order to provide the
body with extra speed and strength.
2 Emotional components
2.1 Emotion regulation
See also: Emotional self-regulation
In the context of the ght or ight response, emotional
regulation is used proactively to avoid threats of stress or
to control the level of emotional arousal.[16][17]
1.3
3 Cognitive components
3.1 Content specicity
The specic components of cognitions in the ght or ight
response seem to be largely negative. These negative cognitions may be characterized by: attention to negative
stimuli, the perception of ambiguous situations as negative, and the recurrence of recalling negative words.[21]
There also may be specic negative thoughts associated
with emotions commonly seen in the reaction.[22]
The physiological changes that occur during the ght or Perceived control relates to an individuals thoughts about
ight response are activated in order to give the body in- control over situations and events.[23] Perceived control
3
should be dierentiated from actual control because an Conditions
individuals beliefs about their abilities may not reect
their actual abilities. Therefore, overestimation or under Acute stress reaction
estimation of perceived control can lead to anxiety and
Anxiety
aggression.[24]
Anxiety disorder
3.3
Workplace bullying
Panic attack
Phobia
Social anxiety
Social anxiety disorder
6 Notes
[1] Some references say he rst described the response in
1914 in The American Journal of Physiology. Others in
the 1915 edition of Bodily Changes in Pain, Hunger, Fear
and Rage. Other sources say that he rst used the term
in 1929 or in 1932 edition of the same book. The issue
needs further research.
7 References
[1] Cannon, Walter (1932). Wisdom of the Body. United
States: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0393002055.
[2] Walter Bradford Cannon (1929). Bodily changes in pain,
hunger, fear, and rage. New York: Appleton-CenturyCrofts.
Fighting the bullying can require near heroic action, especially if the bullying targets just one or two individuals.
It can also be a dicult challenge. There are some times
when confrontation is called for. First, there is always a
chance that the bully boss is laboring under the impression that this is the way to get things done and does not
recognize the havoc being wreaked on subordinates.[27]
See also
Coping (psychology)
Defense physiology
Emotional dysregulation
Escape distance
The Relaxation Response
Rest and digest
Vasoconstriction
YerkesDodson law
8 FURTHER READING
8 Further reading
Sapolsky, Robert M., 1994. Why Zebras Don't Get
Ulcers. W.H. Freeman and Company.
This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document
"http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/
mentalhealth/chapter4/sec2_1.html".
9.1
Text
9.2
Images
File:The_Fight_or_Flight_Response.jpg Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/The_Fight_or_Flight_
Response.jpg License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: Own work Original artist: Jvnkfood
9.3
Content license