NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF EMOTIONAL STATES AND POSTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BODY

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of contemporary scientific approaches to the neural and psychophysiological mechanisms underlying emotional states and their influence on human postural organization. It is established that emotional reactions are not merely mental phenomena but are the result of an integrated activity involving the central nervous system, autonomic regulation, and motor mechanisms. A pivotal role in the rapid identification of emotionally significant stimuli and the initiation of autonomic responses is played by the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which, through interaction with brainstem structures, facilitates changes in muscle tone and postural control. The research confirms the relevance of the “embodied emotion” paradigm, which posits that bodily postures and movements are not just indicators of internal states but also actively shape emotional experiences through feedback mechanisms. Particular attention is given to the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the autonomic nervous system adapts the physiological state of the organism based on the perception of safety or threat, thereby directly modulating postural stability. The authors systematize the relationship between basic emotions-such as fear, anger, shame, and sadness-and characteristic motor patterns, including changes in the center-of-pressure (CoP) and postural tension.The analysis demonstrates that the interaction between emotional and motor systems serves as the foundation for human adaptive behavior. The study provides evidence that stabilometry and psychophysiological monitoring are promising methods for the further investigation of these mechanisms. These findings open new avenues for application in clinical psychology, specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of affective disorders. Ultimately, this work deepens the understanding of the role of somatic processes in shaping the psychophysiological state of the individual and emphasizes the importance of a holistic, integrative approach in affective neuroscience