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