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| Biobehaviors are basic physiological and behavioral strategies of response to environmental demands. They can be seen as emerging properties of the nervous system, forming the basis from which we learn socially and culturally driven behaviors. Biobehaviors are generated by specific neuro-physiological mechanisms, meaning that the range of behaviors we can express is limited and made possible by underlying neurological processes. The specific neurological conditions determining the emergence of a biobehavior depend in first place on the perception of the environment in an unconscious process called neuroception. In this phase our perception is limited to feelings of safety and trust or of danger and threat and the biobehavioral strategies put in place go from positive social interaction in a safe environment to aggressiveness, avoidance or immobilization when facing a threat. Each of these biobehavioral responses is associated with complex physiological changes. For example when we enter a new environment and perceive it as dangerous, our body will get ready for fighting or escaping even if we are totally unaware of the process. Our heart rate will increase, we will flush, perspire, tremble and increase our breathing frequency. All these changes, designed to help us cope with a physical threat, hinder instead the opportunity to establish a positive social interaction and to accomplish a demanding intellectual task. |
When this response manifests frequently in one or more of its components, we are exposing our brain and body to a constant over-activation, leading to high stress, health problems, burn-out and reduced performance. On the other side, the more humans perceive themselves, the environment and others as safe and trustworthy, the more socially oriented properties (collectively forming the social engagement system) emerge encouraging biobehaviors of engagement, open posture, positive facial expressions and gestures. In these conditions our body relaxes, the heart rate decreases, respiration becomes regular and our attention can be better dedicated to the task we are facing. On a long term basis a perception of psychological safety and trust triggers neuro-endocrine responses that will enable the emergence of strong interpersonal bonds and loyalty mainly thanks to oxytocin, an anti-stress and trust-building hormone produced by the hypothalamus. Through Biobehavioral Coaching® all these responses can be trained and controlled, enabling people to put in place the most efficient and effective biobehavioral response for each situation. |
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