The fight or flightThe fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is deemed to be harmful or dangerous. The perception of danger activates the sympathetic nervous system and creates a stress response which prepares the body to fight or flee. More response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is deemed to be harmful or dangerous. The perception of danger activates the sympathetic nervous system and creates a stress response which prepares the body to fight or flee.