The 16 Emergency Response Styles
To those of you who have been in a crisis, it often becomes clear that your body will react in ways that may feel outside of your control. Whether the emergency is interpersonal or life-threatening, it often requires immediate action, requiring your body to act before you could accomplish the deep thoughts that would allow for a complete analysis and a full choice in the actions required of you.
In general, there are four patterns your body may react with. These are the four Fs: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. How these manifest may vary slightly depending on if they are used interpersonally or in life-threatening situations and how they could be colored by an individual’s use of the other three.
Interpersonal Emergency Response
Starting with our interpersonal response (I will abbreviate this to IP), let’s discuss how each of these four F’s manifest in interpersonal situations.
When someone has IPFight, they are often a more forceful personality. They want to stand their ground and be heard in conversations and debate. While, to the same degree as anyone else, they are willing to be present and listen to others, their opinions are less likely to fold without cause and they stand tall in interpersonal conflict. When it comes to IPFight, there are chiefly two versions. The first version is more brash and brazen with the mentality of fighting their way through situations, at times lacking awareness of tactics containing more finesse and moving through situations like a bulldozer. The second version is more tactical and often relaxed due its own trust of its ability to be firm and stand up for itself in situations. Both versions count as IPFight and individuals with this IP style can oscillate between the two versions depending on their own maturity and the needs of any specific situation.
When someone has IPFlight, they tend to be conflict avoidant. Flight is most characterized by the mind looping on the idea of ‘Get Out!’ – this is at times helpful, but also can be to the detriment of themselves and/or others. Interpersonally, these individuals will typically want to be viewed favorably and will often best achieve this through their ability to remove themselves from the situation and understand things at a slower paced and more rational manner. Whether they are socially awkward or socially gifted, IPFlight would rather avoid social conflicts and give themselves the time to understand the situation more fully. They may also just stay away from the conflict entirely. IPFlight greatly appreciates their ability to run from conflict and process separately from difficult interactions.
When someone has IPFreeze, they often have a wide-eyed look of ‘what do I do?’ when situations escalate beyond their predictions and/or control. Their chief response is to stop and be still. Freeze in both iterations is often characterized by overthinking and a need to analyze the situation. Interpersonally, this creates the reaction audiences will yell at some of their favorite characters for exhibiting (ex: ‘Don’t just stand there. Say something!’). Freeze takes the direction that it’s better to stop and figure out the correct course of action than to act before thinking and take the wrong course of action. When these individuals are able to curb the natural inclination to anxiety in their interpersonal reactions, they often will show up as the most logical and reasonable people who (while slow in response) will hold their space in a way less likely to alienate others. The hope is that they have the time to process and don’t get caught up in an internal anxiety loop of ‘what do I do?’.
When someone has IPFawn, they have an ingrained desire to be liked and often an intuitive understanding of what others want from them. Their best defense will often be to become the most likable person in any room and to fold for others in a way that allows them to feel powerful over the individual with IPFawn. These individuals tend to be very successful people pleasers and play the damsel in distress well-enough that others will often solve their problems for them. Interpersonal manipulation may exist in people with IPFawn; however, this is usually not intentional and more exists as a tactic to feel safe and protected in their own space. These individuals are the most likely to experience the disconcerting sensation of being scared in an interaction but detaching as almost a 3rd party observer watching their body be the most charismatic and charming version of themselves as they attempt to salvage the situation.
Life-Threatening Emergency Response
Continuing with our life-threatening response (I will abbreviate this to LT), let’s discuss how each of these four F’s manifest in life-threatening situations and how they are visible before an individual finds themselves in those traumatic situations.
In a life-threatening situation, individuals with LTFight likely find that their mind clears to become (for some) the most rational and strategic version of themselves. They have the natural ability to see priorities, understand the geography in which they find themselves, and weigh a strategic advance against a strategic retreat or any other action. They are ready to act and won’t go down without some type of fight. They often tend to be the most level-headed of anyone in a crisis and it is this level-headedness that can thrust them into leadership roles. Meanwhile, before an individual with LTFight find themselves in the type of situation that would require their LT activation, there are certain traits that will hint to what their reaction will be. Because of how efficiently and effectively LTFight can grasp their situation and make smart decisions, these individuals are the most willing to trust their future selves that they will be ok. While others can be more anxious, these are the people to say that ‘I’ll deal with that when I come to it’ and they reasonably will. LTFight, as a general rule, will show themselves to have a great sense of direction, the ability to retrace their steps, and a non-anxiety-based understanding of both how disasters work and how to survive them.
In a life-threatening situation, individuals with LTFlight are going to have a more singular focus on getting out of the situation. Their mind will tend to fixate on the quickest route out of danger – whether it is the smartest route being more a matter of chance than a rule. As long as they can smell the smoke or hear the drums of danger, their body will not fully relax but will spur them forward to perceived safety. These individuals tend to have many escape plans and an understanding of how to get themselves and their group out of a situation. They are naturally more cautious and hold value on being physically prepared (especially in regards to making an escape). Meanwhile, before an individual with LTFlight find themselves in the type of situation that would require their LT activation, there are certain traits that will hint to what their reaction will be. Because of how much focus LTFlight puts on getting out of a dangerous situation, these individuals will consistently try to be prepared for things. They will do this while often fighting against their own internal anxiety. This anxiety is a calmer but more consistent type than that of LTFreeze. It is due to this anxiety that they are less likely to want to understand disasters, but instead have a prepared list of everything they’d need to bring with them should a disaster occur. These are the people who will give off a relaxed appearance, while being prepared to flee.
In a life-threatening situation, individuals with LTFreeze are going to find that their mind may get stuck on the question ‘what do I do?’ or the worry ‘I don’t know what to do.’. These worries can get the brain stuck in a loop of concern and worry, leading to the individual being more of a sitting duck. This can be a very disconcerting experience for the individual, as they watch themselves helplessly run in circles while feeling unable to stop the cycle. Due to the nature of Freeze, it is best for these individuals that they give themselves plenty of time to calm down and figure out how to react in a given situation. On the plus side, they are the quickest to let go of the stress, adrenaline, and trauma of a situation once they are safely on the other side. Meanwhile, before an individual with LTFreeze find themselves in the type of situation that would require their LT activation, there are certain traits that will hint to what their reaction will be. Because of the type of helplessness LTFreeze experiences in life-threatening situations, these individuals will often manifest as balls of anxiety who need things regarding their stressors done “the right” way in their everyday life. They may take the approach that avoiding any and all dangerous situations is the only reliable solution. Questions of ‘did I turn the oven off?’, ‘did I check my car’s oil on schedule?’ etc. will help them to reduce the need to think on their feet later. Balance for these individuals may come when they conscientiously prepare personally against possible situations.
In a life-threatening situation, individuals with LTFawn are going to find that their mind becomes overwhelmed and almost stops thinking entirely. Because of how they are overstimulated, these individuals will often search out someone who can give them direction and whom they can assist. They want to act, but it can be hard to know what to do. With a distinct task, they can put their focus into doing what is required and contribute to the group. These individuals best survive when they are with others who can intelligently make decisions. Meanwhile, before an individual with LTFawn find themselves in the type of situation that would require their LT activation, there are certain traits that will hint to what their reaction will be. Because of their desire to have guidance and someone to help them in a crisis, these individuals are the type of people who may be drawn to grading rubrics, rule books, and already provided structure. They are often rule followers or rule defenders who believe there are proper ways things should be done. They may use small metrics of provided structure before crises as practice for how things should be done and who should be approached for guidance when situations become life-threatening.
The Combinations
IPFight LTFight: The Boxer
The combination of IPFight LTFight is one of the most expected combinations since the IP and LT transfer fairly seamlessly into each other. Individuals who fit in this category can be either of the caliber of a more forceful personality or a more relaxed one due to trusting in their own skill. By nature of having so much Fight in their system, they are likely to get themselves into situations where they may have to fight their way through. They will tend to stand tall in who they are and always be ready for a fight.
Ex: Hopper ‘Stranger Things’
IPFlight LTFight: The Navigator
The combination of IPFlight LTFight is immensely conflict avoidant until they are in a life-threatening or emergency situation. They may be more avoidant and dismissive interpersonally, preferring to stay out of drama and gain the respect of others. However, when things go terribly wrong, they may suddenly stop running and are the type to make a bold stand in order to fight the good fight. They are immensely competent in conflict, but likely prefer to operate away from messy internal politics.
Ex: Nancy ‘Stranger Things’
IPFreeze LTFight: The General
The combination of IPFreeze LTFight will often end up in leadership roles within their groups since within their interpersonal dynamics, they are careful and ready to take pause but backed with the confidence that comes from trusting their own instincts in a fight. They are slow to conflict but capable in a fight – a combination that will usually garner the respect and admiration of those around them.
Ex: Eleven ‘Stranger Things’
IPFawn LTFight: The Infiltrator
The combination of IPFawn LTFight is one of the least expected combinations due to the sometimes-jarring transition from Fawn to Fight. Interpersonally, they possess a great amount of social awareness and a willingness to fawn and preen over other individuals to make themselves more likeable. This can create a certain expectation of their LT response, only for them to sometimes shockingly become one of the most capable and tactical people in the room, the moment it becomes necessary.
Ex: Steve ‘Stranger Things’
IPFight LTFlight: The Pilot
The combination of IPFight LTFlight often fits well into the conception of a caregiving role. Interpersonally they always want to stand their ground and fight, however, once a situation becomes dire, their focus immediately shifts to getting themselves out of the situation. For not having LTFight, they tend to have good situational awareness and work to balance getting things down and getting out.
Ex: Belle ‘Beauty and the Beast’
IPFlight LTFlight: The Pacifist
The combination of IPFlight LTFlight is one of the most expected combinations since the IP and LT transfer fairly seamlessly into each other. In both interpersonal and life-threatening situations these individuals have the mentality of avoiding and/or getting out. While they are willing to act or fight, when necessary, their preference is to stay away from danger in every sense. As such, they may at times have layers of contingency plans and likely prioritize the maintenance of an escape route.
Ex: Max ‘Stranger Things’
IPFreeze LTFlight: The Messenger
The combination of IPFreeze LTFlight is one of the least expected combinations due to the sometimes-jarring transition from Freeze to Flight. Interpersonally, they tend to show caution and may freeze up when interactions don’t go as expected. This can create a certain expectation of their LT response, only for them to book it out of a place when the situation becomes dire.
Ex: Joyce ‘Stranger Things’
IPFawn LTFlight: The Performer
The combination of IPFawn LTFlight is the combination of a more socially aware individual who also has set up a contingency to get out. While a little more hapless, they tend to be charming individuals, if not a little flighty. They are usually adept at reading a room and will use their natural charm to win other’s favor, as well as to open the doors that could facilitate an escape (should one become necessary).
Ex: Aladdin ‘Aladdin’
IPFight LTFreeze: The Bureaucrat
The combination of IPFight LTFreeze is one of the least expected combinations due to the sometimes-jarring transition from Fight to Freeze. This transition can be jarring, because of how others would usually not expect someone who fights and likely thrives in interpersonal action to suddenly freeze-up in a life-threatening situation. Like in bureaucracy, they often work at their best when championing a cause but removed from life-threatening danger.
Ex: Lucas ‘Stranger Things’
IPFlight LTFreeze: The Analyst
The combination of IPFlight LTFreeze tend to be individuals who care, but also put concerted effort into avoiding drama and managing the anxiety focused on stopping them from ever being in a dangerous or life-threatening situation. These individuals can be hypervigilant and likely make it a habit to prepare for and against sometimes unlikely, but always undesired situations they could find themselves in.
Ex: Moana ‘Moana’
IPFreeze LTFreeze: The Advisor
The combination of IPFreeze LTFreeze is one of the most expected combinations since the IP and LT transfer fairly seamlessly into each other. These individuals are cautious and careful in all areas of life, with high levels of anxiety in the things and areas of life that most worry them. They tend to be overthinkers who will deeply analyze every area of life to determine their best course of action and hopefully eventually move forward towards their desired outcome.
Ex: Will ‘Stranger Things’
IPFawn LTFreeze: The Fortuneteller
The combination of IPFawn LTFreeze is someone who, while likely somewhat anxiety driven, will usually have positive interactions with those around them. They may or may not be a bit timid in certain situations but will usually have a drive to be well liked by others and have a support team, who can support them when they end up in tough situations. They put a lot of energy into avoiding catastrophes and being well-liked while doing so.
Ex: Dustin ‘Stranger Things’
IPFight LTFawn: The Muscle
The combination of IPFight LTFawn is an individual who interpersonally will stand their ground and does best in life-threatening situations when they can call on and rely on the strength of others to support them. They tend to be drawn to powerful people who can protect them while giving them the space to exert their own strength and interpersonal dominance. They often value having rules and may put effort into enforcing them.
Ex: Jasmine ‘Aladdin’
IPFlight LTFawn: The Cleaner
The combination of IPFlight LTFawn is one of the least expected combinations due to the sometimes-jarring transition from Flight to Fawn. This can be jarring, because of the unexpected transition of someone who is more avoidant of interpersonal conflict becoming someone who searches out authority and trying strongly to please these same individuals. In emergencies, these individuals thrive best when they have someone with a clear head who can help give them action points.
Ex: Jonathan ‘Stranger Things’
IPFreeze LTFawn: The Informant
The combination of IPFreeze LTFawn is someone who is more careful interpersonally and more reliant on others in an emergency. They sometimes overthink and usually want to make the smartest decisions in their interactions. Due to this combination, for them, the smartest decision is often going to be the people they surround themselves with. They will thrive the best with time and the support of others.
Ex: Mike ‘Stranger Things’
IPFawn LTFawn: The Assistant
The combination of IPFawn LTFawn is one of the most expected combinations since the IP and LT transfer fairly seamlessly into each other. These individuals tend to be people pleasers who thrive by serving in social situations. While they might have a group, they may also simply have one person they cling to and want to help. They will usually see this person as a type of authority figure and will rely on both, in close to equal measure, this figure’s strength and their own comfort in serving.
Ex: Sam ‘Lord of the Rings’
