fight / flight response

• the parasympathetic nervous system reduces the activities of the body into a resting state
• the sympathetic nervous system puts the body in an aroused state
• physiological characteristics of the parasympathetic nervous system is : decreased heart rate , decreased breathing rate
• physiological characteristics of the sympathetic nervous system is : increased heart rate, increased breathing rate
• the fight or flight response works the endocrine system to help prepare the body against a threat
• the process of fight or flight:

  • autonomic nervous system changes from parasympathetic ( resting state) into sympathetic ( aroused state)
  • pituitary gland releases ACTH
  • ACTH affects cells in the adrenal glands leading to release of adrenaline into bloodstream
  • the adrenaline caused physiological changes in the body , for example increased heart rate and breathing rate as body is now in aroused state
  • once the threat has passed , the parasympathetic takes over and brings the body back to its resting state
• if the threat still continues :

  • the hypothalamus releases CRH
  • the pituitary gland then releases ACTH
  • the adrenal cortex then releases Cortosil
  • this caused the body to be in a long term state of alert
  • the liver then releases glycogen to release energy
  • this turns off pain and turns off immune system
  • this then reduces fertility
• evaluation of fight or flight response AO3 - alternative:

  • P- when we are in a dangerous situation - our reaction is not limited to fight or flight response
  • E- GRAY(1988) suggested that our first response to danger is to avoid confrontation overall , this is demonstrated by a freeze response
• evaluation of fight or flight response A03 - weakness:

  • P- fight / flight response is typically male response
  • E- research shows females adopt a ' tend and befriend' response in dangerous and stressful situations . TAYLOR ET AL , also states that women are more likely to protect offspring and ' flight' is a sign of weakness and can put offspring at risk . women also form alliances with other women rather than to fight or flee
• advantage of fight/flight response - A03:

  • P - useful survival mechanism for ancestors in life threatening situations
  • E - eg when running away from predators
• disadvantage of fight / flight response:

  • modern day life does not require such an intense biological response
• issue with fight or flight response- AO3-

  • P- maladaptive in modern day life
  • - if fight / flight response is activated so often , it can have negative impacts on our health
  • E- humans who face lots of stress and who continually activate sympathetic nervous system( aroused state ) will continually increase blood pressure leading to damage in blood vessels and causing heart disease