What characterizes "Survival stress"?

"Survival stress" is primarily characterized as a reaction to an immediate and perceived threat. This state often arises during high-stakes situations where an individual feels endangered, activating the body's fight-or-flight response. This physiological reaction is intended to prepare a person to respond quickly to danger, increasing heart rate, respiration, and energy levels, allowing for heightened awareness and faster reaction times.

This concept directly relates to how individuals function in critical situations involving confrontation or potential harm, making it crucial for law enforcement and other professionals in high-risk environments to understand and manage these stress responses effectively. Recognizing survival stress enables individuals to better prepare for, cope with, and respond to threats, enhancing their performance in potentially dangerous encounters.