Dealing with Group Freeze: Strategies for Effective Response

During a legislative town hall hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee on Saturday, a private security removed a woman who was disrupting the event, as observed in a video. Sheriff Robert Norris was present at the scene, leading to a dispute between the sheriff and Coeur d’Alene’s police chief regarding the First Amendment implications of the situation.

While there is a lot we can discuss in the video I am choosing to explore a phenomenon known as "group freeze".

Have you ever been in a situation where something unexpected or threatening happened, and the entire group around you seemed to freeze—no one taking action, everyone looking at each other in uncertainty? Group freeze is a collective nervous system response to perceived danger or high-stress situations. It can occur in emergencies, conflicts, or even high-pressure decision-making moments. Understanding why this happens and how to respond can make a significant difference in navigating these situations effectively.

What is Group Freeze?

Group freeze occurs when a collective of people experiences the freeze response—a survival mechanism where the nervous system halts action to assess danger. This is part of the autonomic nervous system’s response, alongside fight, flight, and fawn. In moments of uncertainty, especially when there is no clear leader or immediate solution, people can get stuck in inaction, mirroring each other's hesitation.

Some common situations where group freeze occurs include:

• A sudden medical emergency in a public space

• A bystander effect in moments of violence or conflict

• Workplace crises where no one steps up to make a decision

• Social settings where an awkward or distressing event happens, and no one intervenes

Why Does It Happen?

1. Nervous System Overload – When faced with overwhelming stress, our nervous systems can shut down active responses and default to stillness.

2. Social Referencing – Humans tend to look to others for cues on how to react. If no one moves, it reinforces inaction.

3. Diffusion of Responsibility – The assumption that someone else will take action, leading to collective passivity.

4. Fear of Doing the Wrong Thing – Anxiety about making the wrong choice can result in hesitation.

How to Break a Group Freeze:

Recognizing a freeze response in yourself and others is the first step to breaking out of it. Here are some practical ways to respond:

1. Take a Breath and Orient Yourself

If you notice a group freeze happening, grounding yourself first can help. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly. Your ability to regulate your nervous system can influence those around you.

2. Name What’s Happening

Sometimes, simply stating what is occurring can break the freeze. Saying something like, “It looks like we’re all unsure what to do” can help shift people out of inaction.

3. Assign Clear Actions

In emergencies, leadership and decisiveness matter. Instead of saying, “Someone call 911,” point to an individual and say, “You, call 911.” This eliminates diffusion of responsibility and prompts action.

4. Take the First Step

Movement can disrupt a freeze response. Whether it’s stepping forward, making eye contact, or starting to take action, initiating movement can encourage others to follow.

5. Offer Reassurance and Guidance

If people seem stuck, offering simple instructions can help. Saying, “Let’s take a step back and reassess,” or “We’ve got this—here’s what we need to do” can create a sense of safety and direction.

6. Encourage Others to Engage

In a group setting, engaging others in small roles—asking for ideas, delegating tasks—can help break the freeze and restore collective action.

Group freeze is a natural response, but awareness and intentional action can help navigate it effectively. Whether in emergencies, social settings, or professional environments, learning to recognize and break a group freeze fosters safety, leadership, and collective resilience. The next time you notice a group stuck in stillness, remember that even a small action can create a ripple effect of movement and change.