To delve deeper into the "flight mode" in psychology, we need to view it not just as a singular behavior, but as part of a complex defense mechanism rooted in biology and developed through the processes of evolution and personal experience.

1. Biological and Evolutionary Origins: The "Fight or Flight" Response

The "flight mode" mechanism originates from a fundamental and primitive biological response known as the "fight-or-flight response."

  • Scientist Walter Cannon was the first to coin this term in the 1920s. He described this acute physiological response of the body to a threat.
  • How it works: When the brain perceives a threat (e.g., a fierce animal, a dangerous situation), the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This leads to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
  • Physiological consequences: These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and direct blood to large muscle groups. Pupils dilate, breathing becomes faster. The entire body is prepared to either fight the threat or flee from it.
  • In a modern context, the threat isn't always a predator. Instead, it could be a toxic family environment, a stressful relationship, or work pressure. When faced with these situations, the body can still unconsciously activate the "fight or flight" response. If "fight" (confronting, resisting) is not a viable option, "flight" (fleeing, avoiding) becomes the natural response.

2. "Flight Mode" in Modern Psychology

The concept of "flight mode" in psychology extends beyond the physiological realm. It becomes a psychological defense mechanism, a term developed by Sigmund Freud and his daughter, Anna Freud.

  • Purpose: Psychological defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that the ego uses to protect itself from feelings of anxiety, guilt, or internal conflict.

  • Forms of "flight mode" (avoidance):

    Dissociation: This is a severe form of mental escape. Instead of facing the pain, the mind detaches from reality, creating a sense of unreality, as if what's happening isn't happening to oneself.
    • Denial: Refusing to accept the reality of a difficult situation. For example, a person in a toxic relationship denies that it is harmful.
    • Procrastination: Postponing tasks to avoid confronting pressure or the possibility of failure.
    • Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or situations that could trigger negative emotions.
    • Sublimation or Redirection: Channeling negative emotions into more positive actions. For example, instead of hitting someone in anger, a person goes to the gym. This is a form of "fleeing" the root emotion by transforming it into a different behavior.

3. The Deep Connection to Psychological Trauma

Modern scientific research indicates a strong link between psychological trauma (especially Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACEs) and an excessive "flight" response.

  • Altered brain: People who have experienced psychological trauma may have a hyper-sensitive sympathetic nervous system. Their brains are in a constant state of high alert, easily triggering the "fight or flight" response even when there is no real threat.
  • Fixed response pattern: A child who grows up in a violent or unsafe environment may have no choice but to flee or freeze. As an adult, this mechanism can become a default response pattern, causing them to automatically run away from any conflict or difficulty.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): An excessive "flight" response is a common symptom of PTSD. Sufferers may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, leading to self-isolation, loss of social relationships, and stunted development.

4. Related Research

  • Neuroscientific studies: Scientists have used techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) to observe brain activity when humans are under stress. They have found that the amygdala, the brain's fear center, is highly active in these situations, triggering the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which leads to the release of cortisol.
  • Research on Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD): C-PTSD occurs due to prolonged trauma. Studies show that people with C-PTSD tend to develop more complex defense mechanisms, where "flight mode" manifests through behaviors like changing jobs frequently, avoiding commitment, or seeking excessive perfection to avoid ever being hurt again.

In conclusion, "flight mode" is not just a simple behavior. It is a defense mechanism with deep biological roots, shaped by personal experiences, particularly psychological trauma. Analyzing and understanding this mechanism helps us not only recognize our own behavior but also gain a deeper insight into how the mind protects itself from injury and pain.