Freeze and Fawn Short Term Effects

Introduction

When people are confronted with a perceived threat, they most commonly think of the “fight or flight” response. However, two other critical reactions often overlooked are the freeze and fawn responses. These are automatic and short-term stress responses that have evolved for survival in threatening or uncertain situations. In the freeze response, the individual may become momentarily immobilized, hoping the threat ignores them or loses interest. In the fawn response, the individual may seek to appease or placate an aggressor or stressful entity to prevent or minimize harm. Although these behaviors can be adaptive in certain contexts, they also have significant implications for short-term physiological and psychological well-being. In this meta discussion, we will explore the immediate effects of these two responses, outline the systems involved (including neurological, endocrine, and musculoskeletal functions), and provide visual aids to illustrate these processes.

The Freeze Response

Physiological Mechanisms of Freeze

Activation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Sympathetic Arousal: Initially, the sympathetic system may trigger a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Parasympathetic Surge: Following this initial spike, a sudden parasympathetic surge can cause a drop in heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to a state of temporary immobilization or “tonic immobility.”
Hormonal Release
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Prepares muscles for rapid action but can also lead to a sense of internal tension and jitteriness if the person remains still.
Cortisol: Helps the body cope with stress; prolonged levels can impair short-term cognitive function.
Muscular Response
Muscular Tension: Muscles may momentarily “lock,” leading to a frozen posture.
Breathing Changes: Respirations can become shallow or erratic.

Psychological and Behavioral Indicators

Heightened Vigilance: The individual becomes hyper-aware of the environment while remaining physically still.
Emotional Numbness: People often report a sense of numbness or disconnection from their emotions.
Decision Paralysis: Difficulty initiating action or making quick decisions during the freeze state.

The Fawn Response

Physiological Mechanisms of Fawn

Hormonal Interplay
Oxytocin Release: Sometimes associated with social bonding and appeasement behaviors, leading the person to seek closeness or placate the threat.
Stress Hormones: Cortisol and adrenaline may still be elevated, but the behavioral output shifts toward submission or compliance rather than confrontation or escape.
Neurocircuitry of Social Engagement
Social Engagement System: Involves brain regions such as the ventral vagal complex, promoting calming interactions and appeasement.
Threat Appraisal: The amygdala still registers danger, but the response strategy leans towards reducing conflict through compliant behaviors.

Short-Term Behavioral Outcomes

Compliance or People-Pleasing: In high-stakes or threatening scenarios, individuals might overaccommodate or strive to keep the peace.
Diminished Assertiveness: Standing up for personal needs may feel “unsafe,” thus leading to reduced self-advocacy.
Cognitive Dissonance: Individuals often feel conflicted, as they recognize fear yet respond with ingratiation rather than escape or confrontation.

Visualization of Short-Term Freeze and Fawn Responses

Mermaid Diagram

flowchart TD
    A["Perceived Threat"] --> B["Physiological Arousal"]
    B --> C["`**Sympathetic Surge**
           (Freeze/Fawn Trigger)`"]
    C --> D("`**Freeze**
              Muscular Lock
              Heart Rate Drop`")
    C --> E("`**Fawn**
            Appease
            Seek Bonding
            High Oxytocin`")
    D --> F["`**Temporary**
                Immobility
                Hypervigilance`"]
    E --> G["`**Submission**
                Compliance`"]

    %% Apply rounded styles to all nodes
    classDef rounded fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px,rx:10px,ry:10px;
    class A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H rounded;

Table of Immediate Effects

Response	Neurological Effects	Hormonal Changes	Behavioral Outcome
Freeze	Sudden parasympathetic surge; hypervigilance	Elevated cortisol and adrenaline; quick drop in HR	Tonic immobility; decision paralysis
Fawn	Increased focus on social engagement; appeasement drive	Possible increase in oxytocin; elevated cortisol	Compliance; people-pleasing; avoidance of confrontation

Conclusion

Short-term freeze and fawn responses illustrate the complexity of human stress reactions. While often overshadowed by the better-known fight or flight paradigm, these additional responses serve vital evolutionary and psychological purposes. Freeze can provide moments for mental recalibration when escape or resistance is futile, while fawn can offer a rapid means of de-escalation. However, when maladaptive, these responses can impair assertiveness, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Recognizing and understanding these physiological and behavioral patterns can inform both self-awareness and professional interventions aimed at managing stress and trauma responses more holistically.

References

Research

Porges, S. W. (1995). Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. A Polyvagal Theory. Psychophysiology, 32(4), 301–318. Summary (3-5 sentences): Porges introduces the Polyvagal Theory, emphasizing the role of the vagus nerve in modulating defensive behaviors such as freeze and fawn responses. This groundbreaking work explores how physiological states govern social interactions and stress responses. It underscores the relationship between vagal tone and adaptive functioning under perceived threats.
Schauer, M., & Elbert, T. (2010). Dissociation following traumatic stress: Etiology and treatment. Zeitschrift für Psychologie, 218(2), 109–127. Summary: Schauer and Elbert discuss how severe or chronic stress can trigger dissociative states, which include elements of freeze and fawn responses. Their research highlights the short-term protective role of dissociation while cautioning against its longer-term mental health implications. They also cover clinical interventions that target maladaptive dissociative processes.
Kozlowska, K., Walker, G., McLean, L., & Carrive, P. (2015). Fear and the defense cascade: Clinical implications and management. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23(4), 263–287. Summary: This paper details the defense cascade model, delineating various stages of threat response, including freeze and submissive behaviors. Through case studies, the authors argue that understanding the interplay of physiology and emotion is essential for effective treatment of anxiety and trauma. They propose integrated therapeutic approaches that address both the bodily (somatic) and psychological dimensions of the freeze-fawn cycle.

Additional Resources

Books

van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking. Summary: This widely cited book explains the link between psychological trauma and physiological changes in the brain and body. Van der Kolk uses clinical cases to illustrate how freeze and fawn responses manifest in survivors of trauma. He offers evidence-based strategies to help individuals regain a sense of control and body awareness.

Reviews

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books. Summary: Herman’s seminal review of psychological trauma explores the cyclical nature of fear responses, including freeze and appeasement (fawning) in interpersonal violence. She stresses the importance of understanding these reactions in therapeutic settings. The book covers the historical context of trauma research and offers foundational insights for clinicians.

Reputable Websites

American Psychological Association (APA). (n.d.). Understanding chronic stress. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress Summary: The APA provides accessible, research-backed information on stress responses, including less common reactions like freeze and fawn. Their resources outline coping strategies, highlight risk factors, and offer guidelines for when professional help may be necessary. This website is frequently updated to reflect current research and clinical best practices.

License

This document, Freeze and Fawn Short Term Effects, by Christopher Steel is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.

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