When faced with threat or trauma, the nervous system instinctively activates one (or a mix) of four survival responses, commonly called the “4Fs”: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. These trauma personalities, first described by Pete Walker in his work on Complex PTSD, explain how people automatically react under stress even long after the original danger has passed.

1. Fight The “Fight” type confronts the threat head-on. They may become angry, controlling, perfectionistic, or narcissistic traits as a way to feel powerful and never be victimized again. Keywords: aggressive, confrontational, bully.
2. Flight The “Flight” type escapes the threat. These individuals become workaholics, perfectionists, or highly anxious overachievers, constantly running from uncomfortable feelings through busyness. Keywords: obsessive, compulsive, addicted to achievement.
3. Freeze The “Freeze” type disconnects and shuts down. They may dissociate, feel numb, isolate, or struggle with depression and brain fog. It’s the “deer in headlights” response that helped them survive by becoming invisible. Keywords: dissociated, numb, shut-down.
4. Fawn The “Fawn” type appeases the threat. After relational trauma (especially with caregivers), they people-please, codependency sets in, and they lose their own boundaries to stay safe. Keywords: people-pleaser, codependent, no boundaries.

Most survivors have a primary type plus a secondary one (e.g., Fight/Fawn or Flight/Freeze). Recognizing your dominant trauma response is the first step toward healing with therapies like EMDR, somatic experiencing, or IFS (Internal Family Systems).

Understanding the 4 trauma personalities helps reduce shame these aren’t character flaws, they’re brilliant survival strategies your nervous system created to protect you.