GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Psychology GlossaryFight Or Flight Response

Fight Or Flight Response - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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The "fight or flight response" is a natural reaction that happens in our bodies when we face danger, stress, or a scary situation. It's like a built-in alarm system that helps us decide whether to fight the danger or run away to stay safe.

This response causes changes in our body, like making our heart beat faster, helping us breathe quicker, and giving us more energy. These changes help us react quickly in emergencies. It's part of how humans and animals have survived for thousands of years, as it gets the body ready to handle anything that seems like a threat.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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