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).
Analogy
Imagine stress as an approaching storm. Some people might choose to face it alone, but many will gather their loved ones close (tending) and seek shelter with others in their community (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.
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