fear theory

Fear theory suggests that our emotional response to fear is a result of neurological and psychological processes that help us recognize and react to threats. When we encounter something dangerous, our brain processes the threat and activates a fearful response—like increased heart rate or alertness—to prepare us to defend or escape. This reaction is rooted in evolved survival mechanisms. Fear theory explains how we learn what to fear through experience or observation, and why certain stimuli trigger consistent fear responses, helping us avoid harm and increase our chances of survival.