Polyvagal Theory Explains Nervous System's Role in Conflict Resolution

Before reasoning, the body already decides whether to fight, flee, or connect — a premise that places the autonomic nervous system at the center of understanding and resolving conflicts. This is the core of the polyvagal theory, developed by neurocientist Stephen Porges in 1995 Source: infobae.

The theory's three circuits

Polyvagal theory describes a hierarchical nervous system with three circuits: the ventral vagal (enabling social engagement, empathy, and regulation), the sympathetic (activating fight-or-flight responses), and the dorsal vagal (triggering immobilization or emotional shutdown under extreme threat). The dominant circuit is determined by neuroception, an unconscious scanning process that constantly evaluates safety or danger, occurring before conscious thought Source: diariolibree.

Practical steps for conflict

According to Deb Dana, co-founder of the Polyvagal Institute, recognizing "en qué estado se encuentra el sistema nervioso" should be the first step before seeking solutions Source: infobae. She recommends creating a personal map of the nervous system to identify warning signals and available resources, using anchors such as trusted people, pets, nature, or tangible objects that bring a sense of safety. Coregulation — the process where two people help stabilize each other's nervous systems — is crucial during conflict, as a calm tone of voice can shift the physiological state Source: diariolibree. Porges emphasizes that asking "what state was their nervous system in?" fosters compassion and highlights the need for safety before joint problem-solving Source: infobae.