Biopsychology- Fight or Flight

Question 1

explain the fight or flight response to acute stress:

Answer 1

hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system which triggers the adrenal medulla and releases adrenaline + noradrenaline and facilitates the fight or flight response

Question 2

effects of adrenaline during the fight or flight response:

Answer 2

increased heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure: more blood to skeletal muscles and brain so enhances ability to run away or fight, blood pressure to carry oxygen quicker.
increased breathing rate: more oxygen to power muscles
muscle tension: get ready for fight or flight
pupils dilate: more attention to danger
sweating: to keep cool more likely to survive a dangerous event
blood away from skin and digestive system: conserve energy
relaxation of bladder: sometimes relax due to stress

Question 3

fight or flight explanation:

Answer 3

• One issue with the fight or flight explanation is that human behaviour is not limited to just two responses: Gray found suggests that the first response to danger is to avoid confrontation altogether, which is demonstrated by a freeze response.
• A beta bias may exist (this occurs when the differences between men and women are minimised. This often happens when findings obtained from men are applied to women without additional validation) Taylor et al (2000) found women are more likely to protect their offspring (tend) and form alliances with other women (befriend), rather than fight an adversary or flee. Have to protect the baby, cant run away and leave their offspring in case she dies