Exploring human freeze responses to a threat stressor

Norman B. Schmidt; J. Anthony Richey; Michael J. Zvolensky; Jon K. Maner

doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2007.08.002

Exploring human freeze responses to a threat stressor

Norman B. Schmidt^*, J. Anthony Richey, Michael J. Zvolensky, Jon K. Maner

^*Corresponding author for this work

Management and Organizations

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57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite the fundamental nature of tonic immobility in anxiety responses, surprisingly little empirical research has focused on the "freeze" response in humans. The present report evaluated the frequency and predictors of a freeze response in the context of a biological challenge. A nonclinical sample (N=404) underwent a 20-s inhalation of 20% CO₂/balance O₂. Perceptions of immobility in the context of the challenge were reported in 13% of the sample, compared with 20% reporting a significant desire to flee. Subjective anxiety and panic during the challenge were associated with the freeze response, as were a number of anxiety symptom dimensions.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	292-304
Number of pages	13
Journal	Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
Volume	39
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2007.08.002
State	Published - Sep 2008

Keywords

Anxiety
Carbon dioxide
Freeze
Panic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
Clinical Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.jbtep.2007.08.002

Cite this

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AU - Schmidt, Norman B.

AU - Richey, J. Anthony

AU - Zvolensky, Michael J.

AU - Maner, Jon K.

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AB - Despite the fundamental nature of tonic immobility in anxiety responses, surprisingly little empirical research has focused on the "freeze" response in humans. The present report evaluated the frequency and predictors of a freeze response in the context of a biological challenge. A nonclinical sample (N=404) underwent a 20-s inhalation of 20% CO2/balance O2. Perceptions of immobility in the context of the challenge were reported in 13% of the sample, compared with 20% reporting a significant desire to flee. Subjective anxiety and panic during the challenge were associated with the freeze response, as were a number of anxiety symptom dimensions.

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Exploring human freeze responses to a threat stressor

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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