Autonomic states allow for different categories of behavior. For instance, in the absence of safety behaviors are more likely to take form as fight or flight.

the polyvagal theory emphasizes that physiological states support different classes of behavior. For example, a physiological state characterized by a vagal withdrawal would support the mobilization behaviors of fight and flight. In contrast, a physiological state characterized by increased vagal influence (via pathways originating in the nucleus ambiguus) on the heart would support spontaneous social engagement behaviors (View Highlight)