What is Polyvagal Theory?
Alexia Eller, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. Her work with first responders, trauma survivors, and those managing anxiety and depression informs her thoughtful and practical approach to mental health, shared here in her writing.
Polyvagal Theory is a psychological and physiological framework developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that focuses on the role of the vagus nerve in regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its impact on emotional and social behavior. It emphasizes how the body's physiological states affect our ability to connect, respond to stress, and maintain overall health. (1)
Below are some of the key concepts to Polyvagal Theory: (2)
Vagus Nerve: the longest cranial nerve, and it plays a central role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Polyvagal Theory suggests that the vagus nerve not only controls essential bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate but also influences our social engagement and emotional responses.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS):
The ANS regulates involuntary body functions and has two primary branches:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Activated in response to stress, danger, or challenge (fight or flight response).
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, it promotes relaxation, recovery, and healing.
According to Polyvagal Theory, the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the PNS, including a state of "safety" that allows for social engagement.
3. Three Neural Circuits of Polyvagal Theory:
Porges outlines three hierarchical circuits in the vagus nerve that correspond to different states of survival and social behavior:
Ventral Vagal Complex (VVC): is characterized by a normal heart rate and is associated with emotions of relaxed, engaged, creative, curious and hopeful.
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):in situations of perceived danger or threat, the SNS activates the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body to react to stress.
Dorsal Vagal Complex (DVC): The oldest system, linked to the "freeze" response, which can occur in extreme danger or helplessness. When the DVC is activated, the body might shut down, leading to dissociation or immobilization.
When it comes to the neuroception piece of Polyvagal Theory, it involves a built-in surveillance system involving higher brain structures that dynamically and continuously interpret information regarding risk that is being transmitted via sensors throughout the body. The Polyvagal Institute suggests that our neuroception can scan other people, our own body and the environment for any cues of danger or safety.
Polyvagal Theory suggests that the ability to engage in social behaviors (such as eye contact, vocal communication, and facial expressions) is linked to the state of the vagus nerve, particularly the ventral vagal complex. This system fosters feelings of safety and support from others, crucial for emotional well-being.
When it comes to our responses of trauma and stress, there are significant implications. When your body perceives danger, the ANS may shift into a state of (fight, flight, or freeze), which can interfere with social interactions and emotional regulation. When a traumatic event occurs, individuals may remain stuck in these survival modes which can lead to challenges in emotional processing and relationships.(3)
In order to learn more about your trauma response and who you may have navigated a hard time, feel free to reach out to a therapist at our Arlington, TX office. They will be happy to discuss the connection between safety, emotional regulation and connection to the responses from the past and current circumstances and help determine a route towards healing.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666497621000436
