Polyvagal theory is a framework proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, which provides insights into the role of the vagus nerve in regulating social behaviour and emotional responses. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and plays an important role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and breathing. According to polyvagal theory, the vagus nerve is not a single entity but comprises two branches: the ventral vagus and the dorsal vagus. Each branch is associated with different physiological and behavioural responses. Ventral Vagus: This branch is responsible for promoting social engagement and relaxation. When the ventral vagus is activated, it facilitates social interaction, emotional connection, and feelings of safety and calmness. It helps regulate the body's stress response by promoting relaxation and reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Dorsal Vagus: This branch is associated with immobilisation and shut-down responses. When the dorsal vagus is activated, it can lead to behaviours such as freezing or dissociation as a way to cope with perceived threats. It is involved in conserving energy and minimising metabolic activity during times of extreme stress. Polyvagal theory suggests that the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, including the vagus nerve, plays an important role in shaping our responses to environmental stimuli, particularly social interactions and threats. The theory posits that the brain evaluates the safety of the environment based on sensory cues, and the autonomic nervous system responds accordingly by either promoting social engagement or triggering defensive responses.
top of page
bottom of page