Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, and Flop: Responses to Trauma

Just like there are many different forms of trauma, there are many different responses to trauma. In the past, we have typically categorized these responses in three ways: fight, flight, and freeze. However, trauma responses are much more varied, and trauma responses in the same category will look different from person to person.

In this article, we will look at the causes of trauma, different responses to trauma, and how to manage trauma responses healthily.

What is Trauma?

Trauma has been defined as an “overwhelming life-altering event, resulting in pervasive physical, psychological, or emotional distress.”¹ Generally speaking, trauma is a stressful life event often accompanied by shock and a survival response. Traumatic events can significantly impact an individual's overall functioning and can fundamentally alter their core beliefs about the safety of the world, their self-worth, and the societal order. These effects can lead to a deep sense of insecurity and challenge previously held assumptions about life and relationships.

Sources of Trauma

Forms of extreme trauma may include:

Domestic violence
Sexual trauma
Being the victim of a violent crime
Being abused as a child
Military combat
Living through a natural disaster or war
Prolonged physical torture or kidnapping
Unexpected death or loss of a loved one
Crime, burglary, or a gunshot accident
Vehicular or industrial accidents
Being attacked by a wild animal
Seeing another person hurt or a dead body

Less-extreme forms of trauma may include:

Divorce or a breakup
Work or job stress
Financial hardship
Health issues
Traffic jams
Family conflicts

Responses to Trauma

Both extreme and less extreme forms of trauma can instigate a physiological reaction that triggers certain hormones in the body. Often, traumatic incidents can affect the survival systems that give us a sense of control, connection, and meaning. This can profoundly impact our quality of life for years beyond the initial traumatic event.

When you are faced with a dangerous situation, your body immediately responds to the perceived threat, which can be triggered by past trauma. For example, if you have been attacked by a dog and survived, future encounters with dogs may elicit a stressful response based on the past event stored in your memory.