---
title: "Fight or Flight Response — AP Psych Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The fight or flight response is your body's automatic stress reaction, driven by the sympathetic nervous system and adrenaline. Key to Units 2 and 7."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/fight-or-flight-response"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Fight or Flight Response — AP Psych Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

This is an automatic physiological reaction to an event perceived as stressful or frightening. The body prepares itself either for combat (fight) or escape (flight).

## Related Study Guides

- [7.4 Stress and Coping](/ap-psych-revised/unit-7/stress-coping/study-guide/O96bfZowqQ0A0MlqHHG5)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Sympathetic Nervous System](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/sympathetic-nervous-system): The part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the body's energy resources to deal with threatening situations.
- [Adrenaline](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/adrenaline): A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress.
- [Homeostasis](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/homeostasis): The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions.