Extreme fear : the science of your mind in danger / Jeff Wise.

  • Wise, Jeff.
Date:
2009
  • Books

About this work

Description

The common understanding has been that the mind responds to danger in one of two ways--"fight or flight." But as scientists unlock the secrets of the brain, a more complex understanding of the fear response has emerged. The ancient brain circuitry wired to process fear is also intricately tied to our ability to master new skills, and the sensation of terror can actually enhance both our physical and our mental performance. Science journalist Jeff Wise explores the primal force: Where does panic come from? How do some people perform masterfully under pressure? How can we live a more courageous life? Reporting from the front lines of science, Wise takes us into labs where scientists are learning how we make decisions when confronted with physical peril, how time is perceived when the mind is on high alert, and how willpower succeeds or fails in controlling fear.--From publisher description.

Publication/Creation

New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.

Physical description

viii, 246 pages ; 25 cm

Contributors

Edition

1st ed.

Contents

Introduction: the mystery of fear -- Fear is a parallel mind -- The person that fear makes you -- Superhuman -- Losing it -- The struggle for control -- The structure of chaos -- Fear itself -- In love and war -- One of the biggest chokers of all time -- The eyes of others -- Counterattack -- Force of will -- Steeling yourself -- Hanging on -- Mastery -- A new conception of courage.

Bibliographic information

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatus
    Medical Collection
    BF575.F2 2009W56e
    Open shelves

Permanent link

Identifiers

ISBN

  • 9780230614390
  • 0230614396