“A child's (or an adult's) nervous system may detect danger or a threat to life when the child enters a new environment or meets a strange person. Cognitively, there is no reason for them to be frightened. But often, even… — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share Image
“To switch effectively from defense to social engagement strategies, the nervous system must do two things: (1) assess risk, and (2) if the environment… — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share Image
“By processing information from the environment through the senses, the nervous system continually evaluates risk. I have coined the term neuroception to describe how neural circuits distinguish whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life-threatening. Because of our heritage as a species, neuroception takes place in primitive parts of the brain, without our conscious awareness.” — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share
“Playing nice" comes naturally when our neuroception detects safety and promotes physiological states that support social behavior. However, pro-social behavior will not occur when… — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share Image
“A child's (or an adult's) nervous system may detect danger or a threat to life when the child enters a new environment or meets… — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share Image
“The detection of a person as safe or dangerous triggers neurobiologically determined pro-social or defensive behaviors. Even though we may not always be aware… — Stephen W. Porges Copy Share Image
