Final answer:
People respond to fear with a fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological arousal that prepares them to confront or escape a threat. Chronic activation of this response to psychological stress can result in health issues like heart disease and a weakened immune system, whereas some individuals may experience a freeze response.
Step-by-step explanation:
When people are challenged by fear, their bodies often react with a fight-or-flight response. This response is a set of physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension, that prepare a person to either confront or escape the threat. These reactions are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system, including hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline that are secreted by the adrenal glands. However, unlike our ancestors who faced physical dangers, today's threats are often psychological, causing the fight-or-flight response to manifest in situations such as giving a presentation or taking a test. While adaptive in ancestral environments, this response can lead to negative health outcomes when triggered chronically by psychological stress, such as increased risk for heart disease and impaired immune system function.
Research has shown that the consequences of the fight-or-flight response can extend beyond just immediate physiological changes; persistent stress can have long-term health implications. Additionally, some individuals may experience a freeze response, characterized by temporary paralysis in the face of fear. Understanding these responses is crucial as they reflect the body's natural reaction to perceived threats, which can be both protective and potentially harmful depending on the context.