Glossary / Lexicon

In psychology, "danger" typically refers to situations or stimuli that pose a threat or risk of harm to an individual's physical or psychological well-being. It is a primal emotion that alerts us to the possibility of danger or threat in the environment and helps us to prepare for fight or flight responses.

Here are some examples of situations or stimuli that can elicit a sense of danger:

1. Physical threats: Threats to physical safety, such as natural disasters, accidents, physical assault, or attacks by animals, can trigger a sense of danger.

2. Emotional threats: Situations or interactions that cause emotional distress or discomfort, such as public speaking, job interviews, or social rejection, can also evoke a sense of danger.

3. Uncertainty: When individuals are uncertain or feel a lack of control over their environment, it can cause a sense of danger. This can happen in situations such as financial instability, job insecurity, or uncertain medical diagnoses.

4. Phobias: People with specific phobias may experience a sense of danger in situations that are not objectively dangerous, such as seeing a spider, flying in an airplane, or being in a crowded space.

5. Anxiety: Individuals with anxiety disorders may perceive danger in situations where there is no objective threat, leading to excessive worry and fear.

6. Trauma: People who have experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual assault, may feel a heightened sense of danger in situations that remind them of their trauma.

Overall, a sense of danger can be adaptive in some situations, helping individuals to avoid or prepare for potential threats. However, when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to anxiety, phobias, and other mental health problems.