Hi,
I was just wondering if the fight-flight-freeze response is only activated when a person is 'faced' (is that the right terminology?) with a stressor causing distress, or is it for all stress (including eustress?)
Distress (and eustress, potentially, thanks to rani_b
). From your post as a whole, I take it that your impression of FFF response is that it is common. On the contrary, it is uncommon and is only activated in extreme situations of immediate danger. Like, for example, running away from a fire, fighting against domestic abuse, freezing while being assaulted. If you're wondering if it will apply, thinking about whether the reaction is initiated with the intent of increasing chance of survival.
Some exams will want you to describe a response to something like a Lloyd bang in reference to FFF. It may seem to fall out of the scope but because the source of the sound (gunshot? No, actually a car backfire) or nature of the spider is unknown (daddy long legs or viscous funnel web?), the response will be initiated as a precaution.
A biological stress model that does occur regardless of eustress/distress (any stressor will activate it) and is in response to any stressor is the General Adaptation Syndrome model by Selye.
Also, how does fight response apply for when someone is taking a test? For flight, it's that they'll postpone the test and for freeze- they will not be able to think during the test so they stay frozen. Is fight when they tackle the test but not getting anything right? Similarly, what is a 'fight' response to someone who is scared about doing speeches?
The reason you're having trouble addressing these scenarios is because none of the would be extreme enough to activate FFF. None of them are a threat to survival. Yes there is a stress response, but it is probably the GAS modelled response over FFF.
Lastly, I am a bit confused about why people cry when they feel distressed, because isn't it the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for producing tears?
Cheers!
Contemplating why humans cry is very interesting. You'll find that there is no good answer. This is primarily because although other animals tend to share our behaviours, even stress and stress responses, no other animal produces tears.
You could consider it an emotion-focused coping method (venting, appealing for social support) or even just a source of catharsis.
I wouldn't put it down to sympathetic or parasympathetic purely because there are no documented studies to back you up. Interesting though.
Good luck!