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