Somatic Psychology · 2 mins
Polyvagal Nervous System State Test: Ventral, Sympathetic, or Freeze
Map your autonomic nervous system state based on Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. Are you in safe connection, fight-or-flight, or dorsal vagal shutdown?
Scientific Overview
Your autonomic nervous system is constantly scanning the environment for cues of safety or danger through neuroception. This assessment pinpoints your predominant autonomic baseline.
What This Assessment Evaluates
- Maps your current state: Ventral Vagal (Safe), Sympathetic (Mobilized), or Dorsal Vagal (Freeze)
- Explains physical correlates like shallow breathing, muscle armor, or emotional numbness
- Tailored somatic regulation exercises to gently climb the Polyvagal ladder
How to Take This Test
- Answer honestly based on your experience over the past 7 days.
- There are no right or wrong answers; trust your initial emotional reaction.
- Receive your personalized score breakdown, mascot insight, and custom journaling prompts immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Dorsal Vagal Shutdown'?
It is the body's emergency brake when stress feels unsurvivable: blood pressure drops, dissociation increases, and you feel heavy, fatigued, or emotionally numb.
Medical Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer: This instrument is designed for personal self-awareness, emotional tracking, and educational purposes. It is not a clinical diagnosis, psychological treatment, or a substitute for licensed psychiatric care.
Start the Assessment
Takes just a minute. Free, anonymous, and no account required to see your initial results.
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