Natural Survival Responses

Shizen'na seizon han'nō [自然な生存反応]

by CEJames & Alfonz Ingram

Fight (rage), 

flight (escape planning), 

freeze (paralysis), 

fawn (capitulation) and 

flop (hopelessness) 

The natural survival responses—fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop—are automatic, physiological and behavioral reactions to perceived threat. These responses originate from evolutionary survival mechanisms, primarily involving the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which detects danger and triggers defensive actions.

Below is an in-depth look at each survival response, including psychological and neurobiological underpinnings, with references to research and clinical theory.

🧠 Core Framework: Polyvagal Theory & Trauma Response

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how the vagus nerve governs our responses to safety and danger. These survival states are not just reactions, but adaptive strategies driven by the autonomic hierarchy:

• Ventral vagal (social engagement)

• Sympathetic (mobilization: fight/flight)

• Dorsal vagal (immobilization: freeze, flop)

(Source: Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-Regulation)

⚔️ 1. Fight (Rage / Aggression)

Definition: Confronting the threat with aggression or active defense.

Physiology:

• Activated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

• Increased adrenaline, heart rate, blood pressure.

• Prepares muscles for strength and attack.

Psychology:

• Often linked to anger or rage.

• Seen in trauma survivors who become reactive or aggressive under perceived threat.

Example: Arguing with or physically defending oneself against a perceived attacker.

Reference:

• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Emphasizes how trauma can trap people in fight-dominant states.

🏃‍♂️ 2. Flight (Escape Planning)

Definition: Avoiding danger by fleeing or escaping the threat.

Physiology:

• Also activates the sympathetic nervous system.

• Prioritizes speed, focus, and stamina.

• Cortisol and adrenaline spike to prepare for running or evasion.

Psychology:

• Often expressed as anxiety, restlessness, hypervigilance.

• Common in trauma responses marked by avoidance or compulsive “busyness.”

Example: Leaving a stressful situation suddenly or obsessively planning exits.

Reference:

• Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Discusses naturalistic escape responses in animals and humans.

❄️ 3. Freeze (Paralysis / Shock)

Definition: Becoming still, numb, or immobilized in response to overwhelming threat.

Physiology:

• A hybrid of sympathetic arousal and parasympathetic override.

• Heart rate may slow, breath becomes shallow.

• Body becomes immobile while senses remain active.

Psychology:

• Related to dissociation, numbing, inward withdrawal.

• Seen in survivors of abuse or accidents where escape wasn’t possible.

Example: Feeling stuck, unable to move or speak during a traumatic event.

Reference:

• Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy.

🙇 4. Fawn (Capitulation / Appeasement)

Definition: Trying to placate or please a threat to avoid harm.

Physiology:

• Can be a ventral vagal response gone adaptive, or a freeze-fawn hybrid.

• Low arousal but active social engagement to reduce threat.

Psychology:

• Often stems from childhood trauma, particularly complex PTSD.

• Pattern of people-pleasing, self-erasure, codependence to ensure safety.

Example: Apologizing excessively or complying to avoid conflict or rejection.

Reference:

• Walker, P. (2013). Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. He coined the term “fawn response” in trauma theory.

🛏️ 5. Flop (Collapse / Hopelessness)

Definition: Total submission, collapse, or mental shutdown under extreme threat.

Physiology:

• Dominated by the dorsal vagal branch of the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, numbness.

• Similar to “playing dead” in animals.

Psychology:

• Seen in extreme trauma, such as rape, torture, or war.

• Related to learned helplessness, disconnection, shutdown.

Example: A person in severe depression, unable to get out of bed or function.

Reference:

• Lanius, R. A., Vermetten, E., & Pain, C. (2010). The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease. Discusses neurological shutdown in trauma survivors.

📘 Additional References

1. Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory

2. van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score

3. Walker, P. (2013). Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving

4. Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger

5. Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body