Fight, flight, freeze or fawn: how do you react to stress?

Fight, flight and freeze are well-known ways the body reacts to stress. “Fawn” — trying to please others to keep the peace — is a newer, popular idea from therapists’ writing, not a research category. This is pop psychology, just for reflection: everyone uses all four at times. Find your most common one and a skill that helps.

Just for reflection and learning — not a test or a diagnosis.

Keep going on WhySigh

Stress & burnout Anxiety DBT distress tolerance skills Bounce-back check

More quizzes

What kind of rest do you need? Which calming practice fits you? Are you a morning person or a night owl? What's your coping style? What kind of self-care do you need most? What's your attachment style? Introvert, extrovert or ambivert? What's your communication style?All quizzes →

Sources

Common questions

What are fight, flight and freeze?

They are automatic ways the body reacts to danger or stress. In fight you push back, in flight you move away, and in freeze you go still. Your heart may beat faster and your breathing may speed up. These reactions are normal and can protect you, but they can also show up when there is no real danger.

What is the fawn response?

Fawn is a newer, popular term from therapists’ writing. It describes trying to calm a tense situation by pleasing others, agreeing, or putting your own needs aside. It is not an official diagnosis or research category.

Is one stress response better than another?

No. Each one can help at times, and most people use all four. What helps is noticing your usual reaction early and having a skill ready, like slow breathing or grounding. If stress is affecting your sleep, health or relationships for weeks, talk to a doctor or counselor.