Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What emotion contributes to activating the SNS?

1. Joy

2. Sadness

3. Fear

4. Calmness

The correct answer is: Fear

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is primarily associated with the body's response to stress or perceived threats, which is closely linked to the emotion of fear. When an individual experiences fear, the body enters a heightened state of alertness known as the "fight or flight" response. This physiological reaction is characterized by an increase in heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline. These changes prepare the body to either confront or flee from the danger, which is a core function of the SNS. In contrast, emotions like joy and calmness are generally associated with relaxation and a decrease in SNS activity, leading to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system instead. Sadness may also not evoke an active SNS response in the immediate sense compared to fear. Understanding these emotional triggers is important for recognizing how the body responds to different stimuli and the underlying nervous system dynamics at play.