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