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 Have you ever thought about the impact on one's nervous system after experiencing repeated trauma? While we typically anticipate an emotional reaction, it's important to recognize that both the body and mind are equally affected when we sense danger. Although, we can’t always control our reflexes, the function of our nervous systems and our physiological responses may continue to influence our behaviors even after the perceived threat is gone. In 1994, Dr. Stephen Porges proposed a theory called Polyvagal theory, in hopes of understanding the influence of our nervous system on social adaptiveness, expression of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. Polyvagal theory specifically describes how one’s automatic behavioral response is linked to perceived environmental cues. Ryland et al. (2022) further explained that Polyvagal theory emphasizes how one’s nervous system works in response to environmental factors that either activate one’s defensiveness or social engagement when appropriate. There are Three Pillars of Polyvagal Theory 3 Pathways Of Our Physiological Responses
Neuroception: Is described as the process of one’s nervous system to scan for cues that indicates safety, danger, or threats. Giving the nervous system the ability to react to those cues. After the scan is done, the Vagus nerve then transmits that information to the appropriate part of the body, serving as the main connection between the brain and the body. For example, when we touch some hot and immediately take our hands away, the vagus nerve sends distress signal to the brain and helps the body return back to a calmer state. With a normal nervous system, this process involves evaluating risk and finding appropriate channels of behavioral response. However, with individuals whose nervous system has been significantly compromised through repeated exposure to trauma, there is a mismatch in assessment of cues where their nervous system indicates constant danger even when the environment is safe. They may show reactions like fight, flight, freeze and even decrease social engagement behaviors (AMS Medicine, 2023)  The Impact of Regulating Our Nervous System
Coregulation: This happens when two or more nervous systems interact in a way that promotes mutual wellbeing and emotional connection. An example of this is seen in mothers and their infants. Oftentimes when the infants are in distress, they rely on the comfort and engagement of their caregivers to regulate their distress. Polyvagal Theory Plays a Role in Treatment Outcomes The Polyvagal theory was developed to help individuals dealing with trauma, stress, emotional dysregulation and other psychological disorders. Reestablishing emotional balance is ultimately necessary for the overall recovery and healing. The presence of trauma especially often dysregulates one’s nervous system. When this happens, we often see instances where people alternate between states of hyperarousal and complete depletion. Behaviors like exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, constant feelings of being on edge or feelings of numbness, disconnect and emotional detachment becomes more apparent. The concept of coregulation often extends beyond parent and child relationships. A significant factor of improvement that was mentioned earlier is social engagement. When in distress, social engagement plays a vital role in fostering positive social interactions, sense of safety, trust and emotional resilience. However, co-regulation can be particularly challenging for people with PTSD or complex trauma. Individuals with PTSD often remain in a heightened state of alertness. This hypervigilance can make them highly sensitive to the emotional states of others, sometimes leading to increased anxiety or discomfort when trying to connect or co-regulate. In the context of development and therapeutic processes, co-regulation may also needed. In therapeutic settings, when there is co-regulation between therapist and clients, there is an increased sense of safety and support that foster healing and growth. People who have been through traumatic experiences that have altered their nervous system may need more positive social engagement with others. This enables people to be able to connect, understand, and support each other’s emotional and physiological well-being. With trauma care and treatment, this is especially helpful in reframing trauma behaviors. Therapeutic process further provides a way to repair ruptures in one’s ability to regulate their emotional capacity and relate to the world around them (Grassmann et al, 2023). The understanding of Polyvagal theory provides great insight into behaviors, choices and even distress patterns which facilitates better connections and positive treatment outcomes. Reference AMS Medicine (2023). Polyvagal Theory: Advancing the understanding of the autonomic nervous system in medicine. AMS Adult Medicine Specialists. https://amsmedicine.com/polyvagal-theory-advancing-the-understanding-of-the-autonomic-nervous-system-in-medicine/#comments Grassmann, H., Stupiggia, M., & Porges, S. W. (2023). The Science of Embodiment: Trauma, Body, and Relationship. International Body Psychotherapy Journal, 22(1), 149–158. Ryland, S., Johnson, L. N., & Bernards, J. C. (2022). Honoring Protective Responses: Reframing Resistance in Therapy Using Polyvagal Theory. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 44(3), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09584-8
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