Somatic Registration: An Embodied Framework for Learning to Cross Relational Thresholds

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Research Exploring Contextual Influences across the Lifespan: Grounded in Theories of Human Development

Abstract

Over the past decade, scholars have increased attention on how college students
with mental health conditions navigate distress. However, the role of the body in
navigating distress remains largely unexplored. This qualitative study builds out the
concept of somatic registration, a novel embodied developmental growth framework.
Based on interviews with twelve students, five developmental modes were identified:
nonsomatic, subsomatic, presomatic, somatic, and somatic experiencing. These trace a
progression from bodily disconnection to somatic insight. Findings suggest bodily
awareness constitutes a powerful site of existential learning and emotion regulation.
Integrating somatic practices into counseling and educational programs may foster deeper
self-attunement, resilience, and holistic wellbeing. This research contributes to
interdisciplinary work on embodied mental health in higher education.

Author

• Na'im Shahid Eggleston, Praxia Relational Research Lab