Question

Your body's physiological response to a psychological threat (like a test) is very similar to its response to a physical threat (like a snake).

a) True
b) False
c) Partially true
d) Not relevant

Answer 1

The body's physiological response to psychological threats is analogous to its response to physical threats due to the activation of the fight-or-flight response by the autonomic nervous system. This reaction leads to an increased heart rate, adrenaline release, and other changes that prepare the body to face or escape danger.

Step-by-step explanation:

The body's physiological response to a psychological threat, like a test, is indeed very similar to its response to a physical threat, such as encountering a snake. This occurs because the autonomic nervous system, which is involved in the stress response, doesn't differentiate between physical and psychological threats when it activates the fight-or-flight response.

An explanation of this phenomenon is that both types of threats trigger the release of hormones like adrenaline, which prepares the body to either fight the danger or flee from it. This response is characterized by several physiological changes, including an increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. While this response was crucial for our ancestors facing real physical dangers, in the modern world, it can lead to negative health consequences when provoked by frequent psychological stressors, such as exams or public speaking.

The similarity in response is fundamentally rooted in human biology, and although the adaptive value might be less clear in contemporary scenarios, the physiological mechanisms remain the same.