Which of the following best explains how fear drives action according to psychological theories of emotion?

• A. Fear always leads to aggressive behavior regardless of the context.
• B. Fear causes individuals to become completely paralyzed and unable to respond to any situation.
• C. Fear reduces physiological arousal, making people less likely to act in dangerous situations.
• D. Fear activates the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing an individual to either confront or escape a perceived threat.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that psychological theories of emotion often describe fear as an adaptive response that prepares the body to deal with threats.
2. Recognize that fear triggers physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and adrenaline release, which are part of the fight-or-flight response.
3. Know that the fight-or-flight response equips an individual to either confront (fight) or avoid (flight) the danger, enabling quick and effective action.
4. Evaluate the given options by comparing them to this understanding: fear does not always lead to aggression, nor does it cause complete paralysis or reduce arousal.
5. Conclude that the best explanation is that fear activates the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing an individual to either confront or escape a perceived threat.