Panic Behavior: Some Empirical Observations

This paper, part of a series of reports on studies of human behavior under very extreme stress that have been carried on for the last 25 years, describes general finding on panic behavior. The characteristics of the behavior are discussed in detail, and contrasted with prevailing misconceptions. Three covert features of the behavior are examined: its anticipatory nature, its focus on specific referent point, and the acute fear reaction involved. Three overt features of the behavior are also looked at: its flight nature and accompanying non-social and non-rational aspects. Some passing indications are also given of the absolute and relative frequency of panic behavior and the kinds of contextual and immediate conditions that facilitate its appearance.