What Every BODY Is Saying_Navarro, Joe & Karlins, Marvin

30 WHAT EVERY BODY IS SAYING

The Flight Response

One purpose of the freeze response is to avoid detection by dangerous
predators or in dangerous situations. A second purpose is to give the
threatened individual the opportunity to assess the situation and deter-
mine the best course of action to take. When the freeze response is not
adequate to eliminate the danger or is not the best course of action (e.g.,
the threat is too close), the second limbic response is to get away by use of
the flight response. Obviously, the goal of this choice is to escape the threat
or, at a minimum, to distance oneself from danger. Running, of course, is
useful when it is practical, and as a survival mechanism our brain di-

The “turtle effect” (shoulders rise toward the

ears) is often seen when people are humbled

or suddenly lose confidence.

Fig. 4