NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF FAMILY LIFE

ANS defined. Our body naturally reacts to situations we encounter every day using the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Our brain uses neuroceptors that perceive situations as dangerous or safe and our body reacts accordingly (Porges, 2011).  When our bodies pick up clues like facial expressions, tone of voice, physical characteristics, and other environmental factors, and decide that things are safe, we naturally relax and engage in calm behaviors like conversation or eating. When neuroceptors perceive safety, our Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) engages. This means our RSA (a scale that measures breathing and heart rate) slows and our body prepares for communication. Muscles in the ear relax, pupils dilate, and heart rate decreases in order to enhance communication and bond-forming behaviors like embraces. The PNS is commonly referred to as a “rest and digest” state. When neuroceptors perceive danger, our PNS disengages, and our Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) engages. In other words we have a flight or fight response to situations we subconsciously perceive to be dangerous. This means that the body’s energy goes toward pumping the heart harder so reactions can be stronger and quicker. This reaction is measured by SCL (sweaty palms) levels and PEP (time between heartbeats) levels. Some people also breathe heavily, sweat, shake, or become faint (El-Sheikh & Erath, 2011). If these responses match the reality of the danger of a situation, they do provide protection, but if, however, these responses are irrational or unmerited, they can inhibit positive social behaviors. All of these reactions are based on our bodies’ focus to survive.

Real-life application. These automatic responses influence behavior (communicate, freeze, flee, or fight), which influences family relationships and systems. We can overcome these natural reactions if we cognitively recognize them and choose to override the natural tendencies. For example, if one spouse is stressed and tired, her body is working against her efforts to keep it together and stay calm, then if the husband came home from work and made a critical comment, even if well meant, her blow-up could be attributed to her body’s SNS response, more than to her love for her husband. If she could recognize these symptoms in herself, she could take measures to do something to relax, and if the husband recognized these symptoms in his wife, he would be less hurt by her outburst, and more able to soothe his wife. This is just a little example, but recognizing that all family interactions also affect our bodies can help couples to keep their emotions under control by noticing their body’s responses to situations. When one becomes more conscious of bodily responses to interactions, he or she can control their physical natural reactions by cognitively choosing to think differently about the situation, then let their body calm down too.


see references in earlier post