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Cognitive Factors Affecting Freeze-like Behavior in Humans.

Michael W Alban1, Victoria Pocknell2

  • 1a Northern Arizona University.

The Journal of General Psychology
|April 1, 2017
PubMed
Summary
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This study reveals cognitive factors influencing human freeze-like behavior. Choosing to freeze correlates with physiological changes like heart rate deceleration, and its selection depends on perceived effectiveness and individual motivation.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Survival-related defensive behaviors (freeze/flight/fight) are well-documented.
  • Physiological markers for these responses are identified.
  • Cognitive factors influencing human freeze-like behavior remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cognitive underpinnings of freeze-like behavior in humans.
  • To examine the relationship between the decision to freeze and psychophysiological states.
  • To explore how perceived efficacy and motivational orientation influence the choice to freeze.

Main Methods:

  • Study 1: Assessed psychophysiological responses (heart rate deceleration) to an explicit decision to freeze.
  • Study 2: Manipulated the perceived efficacy of freezing versus other defense options.
Keywords:
Freezecognitionmental setssurvival mechanismsthreat

Related Experiment Videos

  • Study 3: Examined the effect of individual motivational orientation (loss-avoidance vs. reward-seeking) on freeze preference.

    • Main Results:

    • Participants exhibited heart rate deceleration when they chose to freeze.
    • The choice to freeze was influenced by the perceived effectiveness of alternative actions.
    • A trend indicated loss-avoiders preferred freezing more than reward-seekers when efficacy was constant.

    Conclusions:

    • Cognitive factors significantly influence freeze-like behavior in humans.
    • The decision to freeze is linked to specific psychophysiological responses.
    • Understanding individual differences in motivation is crucial for explaining freeze behavior preferences.