fight-or-flight response

a pattern of physiological changes elicited by activity of the sympathetic nervous system in response to threatening or otherwise stressful situations that leads to mobilization of energy for physical activity (e.g., attacking or avoiding the offending stimulus), either directly or by inhibiting physiological activity that does not contribute to energy mobilization. Specific sympathetic responses involved in the response include increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and sweat gland activity; elevated blood pressure; decreased digestive activity; pupil dilation; and a routing of blood flow to skeletal muscles. In some theories, such changes are the basis of all human emotions. Also called emergency reaction; emergency syndrome. See also Cannon–Bard theory. [first described by Walter B. Cannon]

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

rebirthing

1. the therapeutic use of continuous, focused breathing and reflection, initially under the guidance of a rebirthing practitioner (a rebirther), to release tension, stress, and intense emotions and attain a state of deep peace and total relaxation that leads to personal growth and positive changes in health, consciousness, and self-esteem (i.e., a personal and spiritual “rebirth”). This type of therapy is increasingly being termed breathwork or rebirthing breathwork. [developed in the 1970s by California-based New Age guru Leonard Orr (1937– )]

2. a highly controversial form of therapy, now largely discredited (both scientifically and ethically), in which an individual attempts to reexperience being born (e.g., through hypnotic age regression) in order to resolve supposed pre- and perinatal conflicts and emotions and to develop a new attitude about life.