PDA Threat Responses

BEYOND FIGHT OR FLIGHT: PDA THREAT RESPONSES

FIGHT

Meeting threat with anger, argument, or control. The body surges with energy to regain safety and a sense of power.

FLIGHT

Seeking safety through escape of avoidance. The person may leave, withdraw, or distract themselves to get away from the stress.

FREEZE

When neither fight nor flight feels possible, the body shuts down. Stillness, silence, or numbness take over as self-protection.

FAWN

Safety is found by appeasing or accommodating others, often by people pleasing, submitting, or managing emotions to avoid conflict.

FIB

Truth is reshaped to reduce threat or shame, acting as an automatic survival response rather than intentional deceit.

FUNSTER

Humour and play are used to defuse tension or mask discomfort. It lightens the moment but can hide real distress.

FORGET

Memory or awareness shuts off under pressure. The person may blank out, lose track of time, or dissociate from what’s happening.

FLOP

The body collapses into stillness or exhaustion, fainting, going limp, or falling asleep when stress becomes overwhelming.

FANTASY

The mind retreats into imagination or daydreams as a way to find comfort, control, and temporary relief from stress or emotional pain.

PDA Threat Responses from Rae Sabine

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