The difference between the reaction of adults and children when faced with danger is that adults often try to be brave, stay calm, and think practically by seeking ways to solve the problem or protect themselves. However, adults may eventually lose hope and feel heavy-hearted as the danger persists. On the other hand, children tend to show their fear more openly initially, such as crying or shouting, but they also provide moral support and show remarkable courage and maturity despite their age. Children often look to adults for comfort and safety but can remain hopeful and resilient, motivating the adults around them. For example, children may express fearlessness about dying if they can stay together and offer emotional strength to adults during crises.
Neurologically, teens (and children) may have more difficulty distinguishing between real danger and safety compared to adults, leading to more stress and anxiety, as their brains rely more on earlier-maturing fear response structures rather than the more reasoned judgment areas that mature later in adults.
In essence, adults show practical coping mechanisms mixed with eventual despair, while children exhibit a blend of fear, hope, courage, and emotional supportiveness during danger.
