Fight or Flight

Question 1

Outline the fight or flight process.

Answer 1

1- Amygdala sends signal to hypothalamus.
2- Hypothalamus begins communication and triggers sympathetic division of ANS.
3- Adrenaline released from adrenal medulla.
- Affects cardiovascular system.
- Physiological changes.
4- Parasympathetic NS returns body to resting state.

Question 2

During fight or flight, do men and women respond differently? (Eval 1)

Answer 2

Yes, women ‘tend and befriend’ (Taylor et al).
Men more likely to fight.
Research is androcentric as only male animals are studied - highlights beta bias.

Question 3

Can fight or flight explain how we always react? (Eval 2)

Answer 3

No, sometimes we ‘freeze’ to avoid confrontation - allows us to be more alert and make better decisions.

Question 4

Is fight or flight useful in all situations? (Eval 3)

Answer 4

No, only when energetic response is needed.
Heart disease can be a result of repeated activation.