Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of affective forecasting in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Affective Forecasting
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and affective forecasting management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type affective forecasting responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type affective forecasting
Neuroception and Affective Forecasting
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in affective forecasting, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive affective forecasting responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Affective Forecasting Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms affective forecasting management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.