Polyvagal
Theory emphasizes the important role that autonomic state has in mediating
behavior. The theory updates historical S-R (stimulus-response) models of
behavior to a more nuanced S-O-R (stimulus-organism-response) model in which
autonomic state serves as a platform upon which different classes of behavior
ranging from sociality to defense spontaneously emerge. The theory identifies
three autonomic states that are matched with three stages of vertebrate
evolution. Each state provides a “neural” platform that will facilitate or
impede the expression of specific classes of behavior. The behaviors can be
conceptualized as social engagement, fight-flight, and death-feigning
behaviors. In children, we would see this as a child who is: 1) resilient,
calm, and socially co-regulating with others; 2) aggressive, oppositional, and
having low thresholds to have tantrums; or 3) withdrawn, passively avoidant,
shut down, and prone to freeze and dissociate when overwhelmed.
The theory details a process called neuroception that detects risk in the
environment without awareness and reflexively shifts autonomic state to
adaptively respond to the challenge. All vertebrates have a neuroception to
detect danger or life threat. However, only humans and other mammals have a
unique neuroception that detects safety and reflexively dampens threat
reactions. It is this process of detecting cues of safety than enables humans
to be social and physiologically calm in the presence of others. This is the
process that enable children to sit calmly in a classroom and to reciprocally
play with peers without becoming aggressive. Human sensory systems are linked
via neural pathways to autonomic state. For example, when the autonomic nervous
system is a state of threat, sensory systems are tuned to detect predator and
danger. This is frequently observed as hypervigilance and hypersensitivity to
tactile, acoustic, and visual stimuli. The theory proposes that
hypersensitivities can be reduced when interventions calm autonomic state.
Presented at the 23rd International Symposium via
Livestream
Presented live and recorded November 2021
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.
Level: Introductory
Length: 2 hours
Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how the Polyvagal Theory can demystify disruptive behaviors and clinical symptoms
- Recognize the intervening role that the autonomic nervous system has in mediating mental and physical responses to events and individuals, functionally supporting calm and resilient behaviors or impulse and oppositional behaviors
- Explain shifts in the Social Engagement System as an indicator of changes in autonomic state that could lead to spontaneous disruptive behaviors
- Discuss a neural process, neuroception, that evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits promoting either social interactions or defensive behaviors
- Explain how neuroception can be incorporated in clinical and educational strategies, as a guide in developing treatment strategies
Presenter:
Dr. Stephen W.
Porges is a distinguished university scientist at Indiana University,
where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium.
He is also a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and professor
emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of
Maryland. His more than 350 peer‐reviewed
scientific papers, published across several disciplines, have been cited in
approximately 40,000 peer-reviewed papers. He holds several patents involved in
monitoring and regulating autonomic state and originated the Polyvagal Theory,
which emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of
behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences. He is
the author of The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological foundations of
Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation, The Pocket Guide to
the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling
Safe, and Polyvagal Safety, as well as co-editor
of Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of
Polyvagal-Informed Therapies, and Polyvagal Safety.
- Stephen Porges received a speaking fee
for the production of this course for the 2021 STAR Sensory Symposium
and STAR Institute Online Learning platform
- There are no other relevant financial or
nonfinancial relationships to disclose
Who should attend:
Occupational therapists, physical
therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development
specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other
individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing.
Instructional Methods:
PowerPoint lecture
Do you have a disability that would require special accommodations?
Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we
can help accommodate your needs.
Continuing Education Credits:
Upon
full completion of the course video, participants must complete and pass a quiz
with at least 80% accuracy to receive a certificate of completion.
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.