'Hero or Hider: The Paradox of Human Response to Trauma'
The recent train attack in Cambridgeshire has left many people wondering how they would react in a similar situation. Would we be the heroes who risked our lives to help others, or those who ran away to save ours? It's a question that highlights the complexity of human response to trauma.
While the "fight or flight" response is often cited as the body's natural reaction to danger, research suggests that there's more to it than that. As humans, we're a social species with an innate desire to connect and care for one another. In emergency situations, this can manifest in two opposing responses: fighting to confront the threat, or fleeing to protect ourselves.
The key difference lies in our individual schemas - mental models of how we'd behave in such situations. Those who have imagined themselves as heroes are more likely to stay calm and offer aid to those in need. In contrast, individuals who fear their own vulnerability may instinctively flee.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that running away doesn't equate to cowardice. Fear is a natural response when faced with danger, and removing oneself from the situation can be the rational thing to do. Once we've done what our instincts have told us to do, new opportunities arise - often in the form of helping others.
What turns someone into a helper? According to Emma Kavanagh, a psychologist who has worked extensively with emergency services and military personnel, it's a combination of factors: having experienced emergencies before, identifying as someone who does good things, and having learned how to manage one's fear reaction.
The aftermath of trauma can be just as challenging. Survivors may struggle with painful recollections, sleep difficulties, and emotional turmoil - but these feelings are temporary. As the initial stress response fades, they incorporate new experiences into their understanding of themselves, often leading to a sense of post-traumatic growth.
While being "scarred" by an experience like this can be permanent, it doesn't define someone's identity forever. In fact, many people who have lived through traumatic events report emerging stronger and more resilient as a result.
The question remains: would you risk your life to help others, or flee from danger? The truth is, both responses are valuable - and it depends on who we are as individuals, our schemas, and our experiences.
The recent train attack in Cambridgeshire has left many people wondering how they would react in a similar situation. Would we be the heroes who risked our lives to help others, or those who ran away to save ours? It's a question that highlights the complexity of human response to trauma.
While the "fight or flight" response is often cited as the body's natural reaction to danger, research suggests that there's more to it than that. As humans, we're a social species with an innate desire to connect and care for one another. In emergency situations, this can manifest in two opposing responses: fighting to confront the threat, or fleeing to protect ourselves.
The key difference lies in our individual schemas - mental models of how we'd behave in such situations. Those who have imagined themselves as heroes are more likely to stay calm and offer aid to those in need. In contrast, individuals who fear their own vulnerability may instinctively flee.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that running away doesn't equate to cowardice. Fear is a natural response when faced with danger, and removing oneself from the situation can be the rational thing to do. Once we've done what our instincts have told us to do, new opportunities arise - often in the form of helping others.
What turns someone into a helper? According to Emma Kavanagh, a psychologist who has worked extensively with emergency services and military personnel, it's a combination of factors: having experienced emergencies before, identifying as someone who does good things, and having learned how to manage one's fear reaction.
The aftermath of trauma can be just as challenging. Survivors may struggle with painful recollections, sleep difficulties, and emotional turmoil - but these feelings are temporary. As the initial stress response fades, they incorporate new experiences into their understanding of themselves, often leading to a sense of post-traumatic growth.
While being "scarred" by an experience like this can be permanent, it doesn't define someone's identity forever. In fact, many people who have lived through traumatic events report emerging stronger and more resilient as a result.
The question remains: would you risk your life to help others, or flee from danger? The truth is, both responses are valuable - and it depends on who we are as individuals, our schemas, and our experiences.
back in my day we never thought twice before rushing into a burning building to rescue someone trapped inside. Nowadays it's all about personal safety first, and I'm not gonna lie, that makes sense too 
. But at the same time, if you're just gonna stand by and watch while someone's life is slipping away... well, that's just not right 
.
.
. We're not just one-dimensional heroes or cowards, we're complex human beings with our own set of experiences and emotions 
. And that's what makes us tick 
.
. And let's be real, fear is a natural response when faced with danger - it doesn't make sense to call fleeing from harm "courageous" 
. I want to see some solid evidence before I start accepting this as fact 
.
I totally get why people might freeze up in the moment, especially if they've never had to deal with something like that before! It's not about being a hero or a coward, it's about survival 
. I think it's amazing how some ppl can just go into "help mode" and others need time to process their emotions 
!
i think we all have that moment inside us at some point where our instincts take over but our brain tells us to be rational lol
and then when u feel ready, u can help others. 
it's crazy how different our minds can be when faced with trauma. I think what Emma Kavanagh said about schemas makes total sense - like, my friend was always the one who'd save dogs from floods and then she went through a traumatic experience herself but suddenly became even more empathetic towards others 
. If someone needs help, it's great if you're able to provide it – but it's also okay to prioritize your own safety. We can't always know how others will react in the heat of the moment 
. I think what Emma Kavanagh said about schemas being a key factor is really insightful 
. It means we all have our own unique ways of coping with trauma, and that's what makes us so... human 
.
...
And at the same time, if someone does choose to stay and help others, it doesn't mean they're automatically a hero - it's all about the individual's unique mental model. Maybe they've got experience with emergencies from their past or maybe they just genuinely care about people. Either way, we need to recognize that both responses are valid and not one-up each other.
.
. In fact, it can make us stronger 
. But I do know that everyone has their own way of coping, and that's what matters 
.
. She didn't know it wasn't her kid! Can you imagine if that happened to everyone? It's all about our experiences and how we react to them, right?
. But what about those who aren't cut out for that sorta thing? We're all different, right? Like, my mate's little sister had a panic attack during a fire drill at school and she freaked out 
There's so many factors at play here and everyone's reaction is gonna be different. Like what if you're scared but also have some experience with helping others? Or maybe you're someone who usually keeps to themselves but something like this pushes you out of your comfort zone? 
i think it's more complicated than that... sometimes you gotta take care of yourself first before you can help others.