Hazard Sensitivity
This message is the second in the series on how we deal with dangers. Hazard intuition serves as a bridge between two other safety systems in our brain. The first one is called hazard intuition and was discussed in the previous message. The other one is called risk understanding and will be the focus of the next message. Together, they ensure that we perceive dangers and respond to them in the right way.
Fear
Hazard sensitivity plays a more significant role in the so-called mammalian brain. This area regulates our emotions on one hand and our interactions with others on the other hand. This function is carried out by our emotion center, also known as the amygdala. Fear is one of the key emotions processed here.
Between intuition and understanding
The development of hazard sensitivity is of more recent date than hazard intuition. Nevertheless, the learning principle of hazard intuition, unconscious conditioning, is also at work here. In addition, this area can be accessed by our consciousness and language. We can realize that we are feeling fearful and articulate it. Hazard sensitivity directs our behavior in a very targeted way through this means. Awareness of insecurity is the primary motivator for safe behavior.
How does fear conditioning work?
This conditioning occurs through the linkage of three elements: of course, the fear associated with an object, but also with a location. The latter is due to the good cooperation with the neighboring hippocampus, also known as the seahorse. The hippocampus has a dual function: it helps us remember, and it keeps track of our location. This enables us to remember dangerous situations very well. However, we also remember where dangerous objects are located or where dangerous actions usually take place. Hence the advice to always keep a Last Minute Risk Analysis (LMRA) on-site and not in the shack.”
