Which of the following stress responses is characterized by an inability to move or respond to events?

• A. Freeze response
• B. Fight response
• C. Tend-and-befriend response
• D. Flight response

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of stress responses, which are automatic reactions to perceived threats or stressors, often categorized as fight, flight, freeze, or tend-and-befriend responses.
2. Step 2: Define each response briefly: the fight response involves confronting the threat, the flight response involves escaping the threat, the tend-and-befriend response involves seeking social support and nurturing behaviors, and the freeze response involves becoming immobile or unable to act.
3. Step 3: Identify the key characteristic in the question: an inability to move or respond to events, which suggests a state of immobility or paralysis.
4. Step 4: Match this characteristic to the freeze response, as it is specifically defined by a temporary inability to move or respond when faced with a threat.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the freeze response is the correct answer because it uniquely describes the reaction of being unable to move or respond to events under stress.