Tend and Befriend Response

Definition

The tend-and-befriend response is a theory that suggests humans respond to stress by nurturing others (tending) and seeking social support (befriending).

Related terms

Fight-or-Flight Response:

This is an automatic physiological reaction to stressful situations where individuals feel threatened. Like deciding whether to stand your ground against the storm or run for cover.

Stressor:

A stressor is anything that causes stress, just like any event that could potentially bring about a storm.

Coping Mechanism: These are strategies used by individuals to deal with stressful situations - akin to different ways people prepare for storms.