Under stress, which pattern describes tending to others and befriending to seek support, especially among women?

Under stress, which pattern describes tending to others and befriending to seek support, especially among women?

• A. Tend and Befriend
• B. Fight or Flight
• C. Flight and Hide
• D. Freeze and Fawn

Answer: (A)

Under stress, people can cope in different ways, and one key pattern involves caring for others and seeking support through social connections. This tends-and-befriends approach is especially noted among women, who may turn to nurturing behaviors and close alliances as a way to reduce threat and gather help from their social network. The idea is that forming bonds and reaching out for support helps buffer stress, making the situation feel more manageable rather than facing it alone. Biologically, bonding hormones like oxytocin can promote this tendency, reinforcing the value of connection in stressful times. In practice, you might see people tending to the needs of others, reaching out to friends, and building supportive ties as a way to cope. This differs from the classic fight-or-flight response, which centers on confrontation or escape, and from more avoidance- or submission-focused patterns that aren’t about mobilizing social support.

Under stress, people can cope in different ways, and one key pattern involves caring for others and seeking support through social connections. This tends-and-befriends approach is especially noted among women, who may turn to nurturing behaviors and close alliances as a way to reduce threat and gather help from their social network. The idea is that forming bonds and reaching out for support helps buffer stress, making the situation feel more manageable rather than facing it alone. Biologically, bonding hormones like oxytocin can promote this tendency, reinforcing the value of connection in stressful times. In practice, you might see people tending to the needs of others, reaching out to friends, and building supportive ties as a way to cope. This differs from the classic fight-or-flight response, which centers on confrontation or escape, and from more avoidance- or submission-focused patterns that aren’t about mobilizing social support.