A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and an active head restraint system including a headrest, upper armature, lower armature and linkage operatively interconnecting the upper and lower armatures. In the event of a rearward impact, the lower armature is operable to absorb energy generated at the pelvic and lumbar regions and to cause the headrest to pivot upwardly and forwardly toward the head of the occupant through interaction with the upper armature and the link. Similarly, the upper armature is further operable to absorb energy generated at the thoracic region to activate the headrest following the initial response by the lower armature.