Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
An instinctual response refers to a behavior or action that is innate and automatic, driven by natural instincts rather than conscious thought. It is an immediate and unlearned reaction to a particular stimulus.
Related terms
Fight-or-flight response: A physiological reaction triggered by a perceived threat or danger, preparing the body to either confront the threat or flee from it.