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Copyright © 1997, Jay Ligda.  All rights reserved.  Published by Humans in the Universe and Jay Ligda.

Fight-or-Flight Reaction

      During the fight-or-flight response, the hypothalamus shuts down the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.  Digestion stops, pupils expand and blood flow and breath rates increase.  The energy used for these activities is channelled to the sympathetic nervous system where the neurotransmitter epinephrine (adrenaline) is released into the system.  The soma is then ready to either fight or flee to eliminate the threat.  After the "attack" the parasympathetic nervous system is reengaged and the soma is able to rest.  The stress reaction cycle is completed when the soma has regained equilibrium.  Kabat-Zinn (1990) says of the fight-or-flight reaction:
The fight-or-flight reaction can be triggered in animals when they encounter members of another species.  It also comes into play when animals are defending their social standing within their own species and when they are challenging the social status of another animal in their group.  When animal's social position is challenged, the fight-or-flight reaction is unleashed and the two animals in question fight until one or the other submits or runs away.  Once an animal submits to another, it "knows its place" and doesn't keep going though the same reaction every time it is challenged.  It readily submits.  (p. 254)

The fight-or-flight reaction helps the animal to find its "territory."  Once it has established its territory, its time is spent reacting to the less life threatening stressors such as hunger, temperature, and sex drive, many of which in humans can be considered a source of pleasure. 

by Jay Ligda

(This work is a all or part of an original work first published/written for John. F. Kennedy University:  Final Integrative Project., Mar1996.)


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References

  • Kabat-Zinn, J.  (1990).  Full Catastrophe Living:  Using the Wisdom of the Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness.  New York, NY:  Dell.
  • Pearson, D. & Shaw, S. (1982).  Life Extension:  A Practical Scientific Approach.  New York, NY:  Warner.

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