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The Arches Neurobiological Profile Tool (ANPT) is a practical tool that applies neuroscientific research to enhance employee wellbeing through a neuro-integrated approach.
Polyvagal theory posits our autonomic nervous system has evolved three distinct response patterns: ventral vagal sympathetic arousal and dorsal vagal immobilization (Porges, 2009). The ventral vagal pathway supports social engagement behaviours associated with feelings of safety and connection, while sympathetic arousal mobilises fight-or-flight responses in stressful situations. The dorsal vagal pathway is linked to freeze responses when threat perception overwhelms coping resources. Porges (2022) suggests chronic activation of fight-or-flight and freeze responses can lead to limited neural plasticity, which reduces resilience. The ANPT supports workers to identify and access strategies that target neural plasticity and expand it, whilst also promoting a sense of agency in how they can respond to crisis and recover after exposure.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in both stress response and resilience. Activation of this axis leads to cortisol release, which helps mobilize energy resources in response to stressors (Li et al., 2022). Chronic or excessive activation of the HPA axis, however, can lead to HPA axis dysfunction with detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Understanding the interplay between the polyvagal theory and the HPA axis can provide valuable insights into resilience mechanisms. The ANPT supports the implementation of neuromodulating strategies that build HPA axis plasticity and therefore resilience (Rajkumar, 2021).
Diverse coping styles, including problem-solving and social support, enhance frontline worker resilience. ANPT assesses these styles and fosters self-knowledge for personalised stress coping.
Fostering organizational awareness through open communication, psychological safety, and work-life balance is pivotal in promoting frontline worker resilience and preventing burnout (Orhan, 2022).
Assists in pinpointing environmental stressors and developing training strategies that boost emotional intelligence and promote self-care for frontline workers.
Enables organisations to develop targeted strategies for emotional intelligence and self-care, fostering resilience and well-being among frontline workers.
Executive Leader Wellbeing and Enrichment
Instilling ethical, impactful, and forward-thinking practices, to deliver meaningful trauma-informed outcomes for Families, Young People, and the Community Sector.
The Arches Foundation would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We would also like to pay respect to the elders, past, present, and emerging.