We've all imagined how we would react in a crisis—whether we’d freeze, leap into action, or try to stay calm. But when disaster strikes, our brains often do the unexpected. In her deep dive into some of the most well-known disasters, journalist Amanda Ripley uncovered fascinating insights into how fear and stress shape our survival instincts. From the tragedy of 9/11 to other high-stress events, Ripley explored what truly makes the difference between life and death.
Curious to uncover what determines who survives and who doesn't in these intense situations? Click through the following gallery to discover the surprising factors that could help you survive a crisis.