Fear and Anxiety Framework
Understanding fear and anxiety in humans
The Fear and Anxiety Framework proposes that fear and anxiety are evolutionarily ancient emotions that have evolved to protect humans from danger. This framework consists of six functional defenses against acute attack: freezing, fleeing, fighting, submitting, frightening, and fainting.
- Fear and anxiety are evolutionarily ancient emotions that have evolved to protect humans from danger.
- The six functional defenses against acute attack are freezing, fleeing, fighting, submitting, frightening, and fainting.
- These defenses are adaptively patterned and often unfold in a predictable sequence.
- FreezingStopping, becoming alert, watchful, and on guard.Pro tipFreezing can aid in vigilant assessment of the situation and help conceal one from the predator.WarningFreezing may not be effective in all situations, such as when the predator is too close.
- FleeingRapidly fleeing or running away from the threat.Pro tipFleeing can distance one from specific threats, such as a snake or a bear.WarningFleeing may not be effective in all situations, such as when the predator is too fast.
- FightingAttacking, bashing, or hitting a threatening predator.Pro tipFighting can neutralize the threat by destroying it or causing it to flee.WarningFighting may not be effective in all situations, such as when the predator is too strong.
Snake Phobia
The fear of snakes is an example of an evolutionarily ancient fear that has evolved to protect humans from danger.
OutcomeThis fear is still present in modern humans, even though snakes are not a significant threat in many urban environments.
Ignoring Evolutionary History
Failing to consider human evolutionary history when designing environments or responding to danger can lead to ineffective or maladaptive responses.
Overemphasizing Modern Dangers
Overemphasizing modern dangers, such as cars or guns, can lead to neglect of more ancient dangers, such as snakes or spiders.
The Fear and Anxiety Framework was developed based on research on human fear and anxiety responses and evolutionary psychology. Studies have shown that humans have evolved to respond to danger with a range of behaviors, including freezing, fleeing, and fighting.
Source · BOOK
Evolutionary Psychology The New Science of the Mind