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AllDefensiveNeurophysiologyPolyvagal TheoryDangerous PeopleFearFight Flight FreezeNervous SystemPtsdUnsafe PeopleDefensivenessDistrustInterpersonal RelationshipsTriggerComplex PtsdFear RapeFight Or FlightFight Or Flight ResponsiveFreeze ResponseFrightenedImage People

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“Playing nice" comes naturally when our neuroception detects safety and promotes physiological states that support social behavior. However, pro-social behavior will not occur when our neuroception misreads the environmental cues and triggers physiological states that support defensive strategies. After all, "playing nice" is not appropriate or adaptive behavior in dangerous or life-threatening situations. In these situations, humans - like other mammals - react with more primitive neurobiological defense systems. To create relationships, humans must subdue these defensive reactions to engage, attach, and form lasting social bonds. Humans have adaptive neurobehavioral systems for both pro-social and defensive behaviors.”

SocialFearTrustDistrustTriggersComplex PtsdDangerous PeopleDefensiveInterpersonal RelationshipsNeurophysiologyPolyvagal TheoryUnsafe People
Book:The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation
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“The detection of a person as safe or dangerous triggers neurobiologically determined pro-social or defensive behaviors. Even though we may not always be aware of danger on a cognitive level, on a neurophysiological level, our body has already started a sequence of neural processes that would facilitate adaptive defense behaviors such as fight, flight or freeze.”

PtsdDefensivenessDangerous PeopleDefensiveFight Or FlightNeurophysiologyPolyvagal TheoryFight Flight FreezeUnsafe PeopleFreeze ResponseFight Or Flight Responsive
Book:The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation
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“To switch effectively from defense to social engagement strategies, the nervous system must do two things: (1) assess risk, and (2) if the environment looks safe, inhibit the primitive defensive reactions to fight, flight or freeze.”

DistrustMistrustNervous SystemTrust IssuesDefensivenessDangerous PeopleDefensiveInterpersonal RelationshipsWithdrawnPolyvagal TheoryFight Flight FreezeSocial EngagementFear RapeImage PeopleInterpersonal ProblemsNeutral Circuits
Book:The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation
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