The recent violent attack on train passengers in Cambridgeshire sent shockwaves through the nation. Accounts of brave individuals risking their lives to help others stand in stark contrast to those who chose flight for survival – prompting a natural question: What would you do in such a terrifying situation?
Psychologist Emma Kavanagh, with extensive experience working with police and military personnel, sheds light on this complex human response. She reminds us that the “fight or flight” narrative, while common, oversimplifies our reactions to danger. We are inherently social beings; therefore, a powerful third instinct kicks in: tend and befriend.
This often-overlooked drive surges in emergencies. Think of parents rushing towards their children during school shootings or bystanders clustering around accident victims. In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, we instinctively seek to protect those hurt and comfort those in need. This “tend and befriend” response is deeply ingrained; it fosters connection and support in moments of collective vulnerability.
So, does that mean running away equates to cowardice? Not at all. When confronted with immediate physical threat, prioritizing self-preservation through flight can be the most rational decision. It’s a primal response designed by evolution to ensure survival. However, Kavanagh argues that once safety is secured, the “tend and befriend” drive often takes over.
Multiple factors influence how an individual responds in such situations:
- Personal schema: Have you envisioned yourself as a hero? Consciously or unconsciously shaping these mental models beforehand can significantly impact behavior during a crisis. In high-stress scenarios, our prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thought) is overwhelmed, relying instead on instinct and pre-programmed patterns – those schemas.
- Previous experience: Those trained in emergency response (police, military) often excel because they’ve learned to manage their initial panic and assess situations calmly. Any past experience navigating crisis can equip us with valuable coping skills.
- Self-identity: People who actively cultivate a sense of helpfulness are more likely to act accordingly during emergencies.
The impact of trauma is profoundly individual, with reactions varying widely depending on personal history and circumstances. In the immediate aftermath, emotional turmoil – anxiety, flashbacks, sleeplessness – is completely natural. This intense response reflects our brains grappling to process the unimaginable and integrate the experience into our understanding of ourselves. Over time, for most people, these feelings gradually subside as they adapt and incorporate their newfound identity as “survivors.” While scars may remain, many report experiencing post-traumatic growth – emerging stronger and more resilient than before.
Kavanagh emphasizes that seeking support is crucial if intense distress persists. Mental health resources like Mind in the UK, 988 lifeline in the US, Beyond Blue in Australia, offer vital assistance to navigate these challenging emotions.
Remember: There is no single “right” response to terror. What matters most is understanding that our instincts are complex and varied, shaped by individual experiences and the unique horrors we face.
