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