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Cited by 234Sexual Assault and Victimization StudiesChild Abuse and TraumaPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research

Tonic immobility as an evolved predator defense: implications for sexual assault survivors

Marx, Brian P., Forsyth, John P., Gallup, Gordon G., Fusé, Tiffany, Lexington, Jennifer M.·2008·Clinical Psychology Science and Practice
DOI 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00112.x
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Abstract

This article reviews research concerning the possible relationship between tonic immobility (TI) and human reactions to sexual assault. This review includes a description of the characteristic features of TI and a discussion of the most widely accepted theoretical explanation for TI. The possibility that humans may exhibit TI is explored and conditions that might elicit TI in humans are identified. In particular, we focus on TI in the context of sexual assault, because this form of trauma often involves elements that are necessary for the induction of TI in nonhuman animals, namely, fear and perceived physical restraint. The important similarities and differences in how TI manifests in humans and nonhuman animals are highlighted, future research directions are offered, and clinical implications are suggested.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00112.x

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123 of 123 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The phenomenon of simultaneous extreme sympathetic and parasympathetic activation has been verified by other researchers and is believed to underlie tonic immobility, which occurs in both animals and humans under conditions of extreme stress.

    “This phenomenon has been verified by other researchers (Paton et al., 2006), and is believed to underlie the well-recognized phenomenon of “tonic immobility” (Nijenhuis et al., 1998a; Marx et al., 2008), which is known to occur in both animals and humans under conditions of extreme stress.”

    From Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy (2015) · cites this paper as Marx et al., 2008

  • There can be marked differences in freezing within species across different genetic strains and research paradigms.

    “There can be marked differences in freezing within species across different genetic strains and research paradigms.61,64,65”

    From Fear and the Defense Cascade (2015) · cites this paper as [65]

  • Tonic immobility in humans is more common under fear-inducing conditions of somatosensory restraint, such as rape.

    “Likewise, tonic immobility in humans is more common under fear-inducing conditions of somatosensory restraint, such as rape ( Suarez and Gallup, 1979 ; Heidt et al., 2005 ; Marx et al., 2008 ).”

    From The brain-body disconnect: A somatic sensory basis for trauma-related disorders (2022) · cites this paper as Marx et al., 2008

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Related

Authors
Marx, B. P., Forsyth, J. P., Gallup, G. G., Fusé, T., & Lexington, J. M.
Affiliations
  • VA Boston Healthcare System (US)
  • State University of New York (US)
ORCID
Marx, Brian P.
Venue
Clinical Psychology Science and Practice
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2008-03
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
74-90
ISSN
  • 0969-5893 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-2850
DOI
10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00112.x
OpenAlex
W2017841282
Cited by
234
References
123
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 21 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 8
FWCI
27.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
doi.wiley.com/10.1002/tdm_license_1.1 (tdm, 2740 d)
Locations
Clinical Psychology Science and Practice (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Keywords
tonic immobility, sexual assault survivors, predator defense, fear, physical restraint, trauma response, human-animal comparison, clinical implications

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