Source status: creator-confirmed contextual influence on the wider work; contested scientific theory and influential practitioner framework. The published journeys rarely rely on its named vocabulary.
Polyvagal Theory proposes a hierarchical account linking vagal pathways with social engagement, mobilisation and immobilisation. Its language has been widely adopted in therapy and public education.
Its distinctive evolutionary, anatomical and physiological claims are substantially disputed. The theory should not be presented as settled vagus-nerve science, and labels such as “ventral vagal” or “dorsal shutdown” cannot be assigned from a feeling or behaviour alone.
Different from: the vagus nerve. The nerve is established anatomy. Polyvagal Theory is one proposed interpretation of autonomic organisation.
Related: Vagus Nerve; Autonomic Nervous System; Regulation; Arousal.
