Window of Tolerance
Window of tolerance is a term used to describe the zone of arousal in which a person is able to function most effectively. When people are within this zone, they are typically able to readily receive, process, and integrate information and otherwise respond to the demands of everyday life without much difficulty. This optimal window was first named as such by Dan Siegel.
What Is the Window of Tolerance?
When a person is within their window of tolerance, it is generally the case that the brain is functioning well and can effectively process stimuli. That person is likely to be able to reflect, think rationally, and make decisions calmly without feeling either overwhelmed or withdrawn.
During times of extreme stress, people often experience periods of either hyper- or hypo-arousal.
- Hyper-arousal, otherwise known as the fight/flight response, is often characterized by hypervigilance, feelings of anxiety and/or panic, and racing thoughts.
- Hypo-arousal, or a freeze response, may cause feelings of emotional numbness, emptiness, or paralysis.
In either of these states, an individual may become unable to process stimuli effectively. The prefrontal cortex region of the brain shuts down, in a manner of speaking, affecting the ability to think rationally and often leading to the development of feelings of dysregulation, which may take the form of chaotic responses or overly rigid ones. In these periods, a person can be said to be outside the window of tolerance.
Each individual’s window of tolerance is different. Those who have a narrow window of tolerance may often feel as if their emotions are intense and difficult to manage. Others with a wider window of tolerance may be able to handle intense emotions or situations without feeling like their ability to function has been significantly impacted.
The window of tolerance can also be affected by environment: people are generally more able to remain within the window when they feel safe and supported.
Most people move between these varying states of arousal from time to time. Trauma and/or extreme stress often make it more likely a person will become either hyper- or hypo-aroused.
The Window of Tolerance in Relation to Mental Health
The stress of a traumatic or otherwise negative event may have the effect of “pushing” a person out of their window of tolerance. People who have experienced a traumatic event may respond to stressors, even minor ones, with extreme hyper- or hypo-arousal. As a result of their experiences, they may come to believe the world is unsafe and may operate with a window of tolerance that has become more narrow or inflexible as a result. A narrowed window of tolerance may cause people to perceive danger more readily and react to real and imagined threats with either a fight/flight response or a freeze response.
People who frequently operate outside of their window of tolerance may experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
A person who is often in a state of hyper-arousal may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and derealization. A person who is often in a state of hypo-arousal may dissociate, have memory issues, and experience feelings of depersonalization.
Managing the Window of Tolerance
It is possible for individuals who have become dysregulated to use techniques to return to their window of tolerance. Grounding and mindfulness skills, techniques considered beneficial by many mental health experts, can often help people remain in the present moment. By focusing on the physical sensations currently being experienced, for example, people are often able to remain in the present, calming and soothing themselves enough to effectively manage extreme arousal. These techniques, and others, can be learned in therapy.
Many individuals are able to widen their window of tolerance and, by doing so, increase their sense of calm and become able to deal with stress in more adaptive ways. Therapy, which provides a safe space for people to process painful memories and emotions, can be a helpful step for many. With the help of a mental health professional, individuals are often able to make contact with their emotions without becoming so dysregulated that they cannot integrate them. Increasing emotional regulation capabilities in this way can lead to a wider window of tolerance and prevent dysregulation.
References:
- Dezelic, M. (2013). Window of tolerance- trauma/anxiety-related responses: widening the comfort zone for increased flexibility. Retrieved from http://www.drmariedezelic.com/#!window-of-tolerance–traumaanxiety-rela/ca9e
- Mindfulness and the window of tolerance. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/pdf/programs/mast/mast-session1.pdf
- Ogden, P. (2009, December 7). Modulation, mindfulness, and movement in the treatment of trauma-related depression. In M. Kerman (Ed.). Clinical pearls of wisdom: 21 therapists offer their key insights (1-13). New York: Norton Professional Books.
- Trauma, power-based violence, and sexual health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sapac.umich.edu/article/trauma-power-based-violence-sexual-health
- Waters, F. S. (2016, March 28). Healing the fractured child: Diagnosis and treatment of youth with dissociation. New York: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Last Updated: 08-8-2016
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VideoPortal
March 28th, 2017 at 3:25 AMFor survivors of complex trauma, triggers in the present, can remind one of the past, thus activating our nervous system to believe that it is under attack which then moves one into either hyper or hypo arousal. Ultimately treatment involves knowing when we are activated and then using grounding skills to help us return to optimal level of tolerance.
Kim Moir
June 1st, 2017 at 10:53 AMI love this article, and as a school social worker and Registered Play Therapist, I have been observing this in children at school who do well at home and at school struggle to hold it together. One child, a kindergarten student, was adopted out of foster care at age 3. Now the child is firmly attached to parents and calm at home but has difficulties at school and frequent meltdowns. I thought this was the problem, but here is the article supporting my initial thoughts. Thank you!!!
Sabrina
November 4th, 2017 at 8:24 AMfollow
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