Polyvagal theory

Polyvagal theory (poly- "many" + vagal "wandering") is a collection of controversial and criticized evolutionary, neuroscientific, and psychological constructs pertaining to the role of the vagus nerve in emotion regulation, social connection and fear response, introduced in 1994 by Stephen Porges. It is popular among some clinical practitioners and patients, but is not endorsed by current social neuroscience. Polyvagal theory takes its name from the vagus, a cranial nerve that forms the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The traditional view of the autonomic nervous system presents a two-part system: the sympathetic nervous system, which is more activating ("fight or flight"), and the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports health, growth, and restoration ("rest and digest"). Polyvagal theory identifies a third type of nervous system response – the 'social engagement system', a hybrid state of activation and calming that plays a role in our ability to socially engage (or not). Polyvagal theory views the parasympathetic nervous system as being split into two distinct branches: a "ventral vagal system" which supports social engagement, and a "dorsal vagal system" which supports immobilisation behaviours, both "rest and digest" and defensive immobilisation or "shutdown". Polyvagal theory was introduced by behavioral neuroscientist, Stephen W. Porges, in his presidential address to the Society of Psychophysiological Research in Atlanta, Georgia on October 8, 1994. The talk was later published in Psychophysiology 32 (1995) with the title "Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. A polyvagal theory" (Porges, 1995). According to the theory, three organizational principles can be distinguished: Hierarchy: The autonomic nervous system reacts in three reaction patterns, which are activated in a specific order. Neuroception: In contrast to perception, it is here a cognition without awareness, triggered by a stimulus such as danger.