During the London blitz, various means of mastering anxiety could be observed. Sharing the common danger with others, mutual active assistance and community life in the shelter served as the main forces protecting people against anxiety. The feeling of actual and imaginary protection by the R.A.F. and by anti-aircraft gave reassurance. A healthy expression of hatred against the Germans provided a useful outlet. Humor expressed in jokes about comical situations during raids and the recounting of narrow escapes, real or imaginary, also alleviated tensions. Progressive adaptation accompanied the gradual increase in experience. The author speaks of a 'process of mental elaboration' which accustomed people to the idea of danger.