The Stories We Carry and Their Ongoing Impact on the Nervous System
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast, QLD
The Stories We Carry and Their Ongoing Impact on the Nervous System
Each of us carries internal stories about who we are, what we have lived through, and what we expect from the future. Although these stories feel cognitive, they are also biological. Interpretation shapes physiology. Consequently, the nervous system responds not only to events, but to the meaning assigned to those events.
Research in stress and appraisal demonstrates that perceived threat activates physiological stress systems, whereas appraisals of manageability reduce activation [1]. Over time, repeated interpretations consolidate into enduring patterns that influence baseline mood and reactivity.
For further reflection on narrative balance, see
Maintaining a Balanced Narrative Takes Ongoing Attention and Effort.
How Interpretation Influences Regulation
The autonomic nervous system regulates states of safety, mobilisation, and withdrawal. Polyvagal theory highlights how perceived cues of safety or danger influence cardiac regulation and social engagement behaviours [2]. Cognitive therapy research further demonstrates that automatic thoughts influence emotional experience [3].
For a deeper discussion of values and attention, see
Values, Attention, and Psychological Flexibility.
Pleasant and Meaningful Activity as Regulatory Signals
When mood is low, activity often decreases. Behavioural activation research shows that increasing engagement in rewarding activities reduces depressive symptoms [4]. Moreover, positive emotion research indicates that even brief moments of enjoyment broaden cognitive flexibility over time [5]. Greater autonomic flexibility is associated with improved emotional regulation capacity [6].
Practical examples include consistent walking and mindful breathing. You may find helpful:
Regular Walking and Psychological Health and
Mindful Breathing Exercise: Deep Calm Cool Warm.
Practical Steps
1. Identify the Dominant Theme
Notice recurring patterns and gently name them.
2. Observe the Body
Pay attention to breathing, posture, and tension.
3. Add One Pleasant Activity
Choose something realistic and repeatable.
4. Add One Meaningful Action
Act in alignment with what genuinely matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Meant by Stories in Psychology?
Stories refer to recurring interpretations about identity and the future that influence emotional and physiological responses.
Can Behaviour Change Mood?
Yes. Behavioural activation research demonstrates improvements in mood following increased engagement in reinforcing activities [4].
Is This About Ignoring Stress?
No. The aim is to widen attention and build steadier regulation while acknowledging genuine difficulty.
References
- Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984).
Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company. - Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective.
Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116–143.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.009 - Beck, A. T. (1976).
Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. International Universities Press. - Cuijpers, P., van Straten, A., & Warmerdam, L. (2007). Behavioral activation treatments of depression: A meta-analysis.
Clinical Psychology Review, 27(3), 318–326.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2006.11.001 - Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218 - Kok, B. E., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2010). Upward spirals of the heart: Autonomic flexibility, as indexed by vagal tone, reciprocally and prospectively predicts positive emotions and social connectedness.
Biological Psychology, 85(3), 432–436.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2010.09.005 - Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes.
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006 - Farb, N. A. S., Segal, Z. V., & Anderson, A. K. (2013). Mindfulness meditation training alters cortical representations of interoceptive attention.
Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 8(1), 15–26.
https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nss066
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