The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many nature vs. nurture presentations. Understanding it demystifies nature vs. nurture and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Nature vs. Nurture
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — nature vs. nurture channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common nature vs. nurture behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type nature vs. nurture
How Chronic Activation Drives Nature vs. Nurture
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying nature vs. nurture: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Nature vs. Nurture
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed