When a subject is in a defensive stance but not actively attacking, which behavior could best describe them?

The appropriate description of someone in a defensive stance but not actively attacking is passive behavior. This term signifies a state where an individual is not engaging in aggression or hostility but is also not fully cooperative. The defensive stance indicates a readiness to respond if necessary, reflecting a level of awareness and apprehension rather than aggression.

In this context, passive behavior illustrates a mindset that is more focused on self-protection or avoiding confrontation, rather than choosing to initiate an attack or cooperate with others. This can often be a protective mechanism, suggesting that the individual may be feeling threatened or unsure of their environment.

Other terms, such as active resistance, would imply that the person is actively opposing or responding to a threat with hostility. Cooperative behavior would signify a willingness to engage positively with others, which contradicts the notion of being in a defensive stance. Incapacitated would suggest that the individual is unable to act or respond, which does not align with someone who is consciously maintaining a defensive posture. Therefore, passive behavior accurately captures the nuance of the individual's stance and mindset in this scenario.