Unraveling The 4 Types Of Trauma Responses: A Comprehensive Guide

The “fight or flight” response is a term often used to describe our body’s automatic reactions when faced with fear. However, it’s important to note that there are actually five common responses to trauma, not just two. These responses are commonly referred to as “fight,” “flight,” “freeze,” “flop,” and “friend.” Each of these reactions represents a different way our body and mind can react when confronted with a threatening or traumatic situation. Understanding these five responses is crucial for comprehending how individuals cope with fear and stress.

The four trauma responses, commonly known as fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, are ingrained reactions that individuals develop as a means of coping and survival during times of adversity. These responses are typically learned during childhood, in the midst of abusive relationships, or in the aftermath of severe trauma. Over time, the predominant response becomes a default reaction whenever the person encounters a situation they perceive as threatening. This learned behavior can persist into adulthood, influencing how they navigate various challenges they encounter. This information provides a clearer understanding of what leads to the emergence of these distinct trauma responses. [Updated: September 16, 2023]

The concept of survival responses encompasses four primary instinctual reactions that our bodies employ when they sense a threat or danger. These responses are known as “fight,” “flight,” “freeze,” and “fawn.” Each of these reactions represents a distinct way our bodies and minds cope with stressful, frightening, or hazardous situations. When we encounter such situations, our system initiates one of these responses to increase our chances of survival. These responses are deeply ingrained in our evolutionary biology and serve as essential tools for adapting to challenging circumstances. (Note: The date “28th April 2022” seems unrelated to the topic and has been omitted.)