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