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Journal ArticleDOI

The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system

01 Oct 2001-International Journal of Psychophysiology (Elsevier)-Vol. 42, Iss: 2, pp 123-146
TL;DR: From this phylogenetic orientation, the polyvagal theory proposes a biological basis for social behavior and an intervention strategy to enhance positive social behavior.
About: This article is published in International Journal of Psychophysiology.The article was published on 2001-10-01. It has received 1266 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Polyvagal Theory & Autonomic nervous system.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The polyvagal perspective emphasizes how an understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms and phylogenetic shifts in neural regulation leads to different questions, paradigms, explanations, and conclusions regarding autonomic function in biobehavioral processes than peripheral models.

2,619 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of 134 publications that report experimental investigations of emotional effects on peripheral physiological responding in healthy individuals suggests considerable ANS response specificity in emotion when considering subtypes of distinct emotions.

2,241 citations


Cites background from "The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic ..."

  • ...…in mutilation-related disgust, imminent-threat fear, non-crying sadness, acute sadness, affection, contentment, visual anticipatory pleasure, and suspense—emotions that all involve an element of passivity, and may be taken to suggest vagal mediation (cf. Porges, 1995, 2001; Vingerhoets, 1985)....

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  • ...…(2000); Cloninger (1987); Davidson (1998); Lang and Bradley (this issue); Lang et al. (1997) Polyvagal theory Porges (1995); Porges et al. (1996); Porges (2001, 2007) Reinforcement sensitivity theory Beauchaine (2001); Corr (2008); Fowles (1980); Gray (1982, 1987); Gray and McNaughton…...

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a theoretical and empirical rationale for the use of HRV as an index of individual differences in regulated emotional responding, and two major theoretical frameworks that articulate the role of heart rate variability in emotional responding are presented, and relevant empirical literature is reviewed.
Abstract: The study of individual differences in emotional responding can provide considerable insight into interpersonal dynamics and the etiology of psychopathology. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is emerging as an objective measure of regulated emotional responding (generating emotional responses of appropriate timing and magnitude). This review provides a theoretical and empirical rationale for the use of HRV as an index of individual differences in regulated emotional responding. Two major theoretical frameworks that articulate the role of HRV in emotional responding are presented, and relevant empirical literature is reviewed. The case is made that HRV is an accessible research tool that can increase the understanding of emotion in social and psychopathological processes.

1,553 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This empirical review reveals compassion to have distinct appraisal processes attuned to undeserved suffering; distinct signaling behavior related to caregiving patterns of touch, posture, and vocalization; and a phenomenological experience and physiological response that orients the individual to social approach.
Abstract: What is compassion? And how did it evolve? In this review, we integrate 3 evolutionary arguments that converge on the hypothesis that compassion evolved as a distinct affective experience whose primary function is to facilitate cooperation and protection of the weak and those who suffer. Our empirical review reveals compassion to have distinct appraisal processes attuned to undeserved suffering; distinct signaling behavior related to caregiving patterns of touch, posture, and vocalization; and a phenomenological experience and physiological response that orients the individual to social approach. This response profile of compassion differs from those of distress, sadness, and love, suggesting that compassion is indeed a distinct emotion. We conclude by considering how compassion shapes moral judgment and action, how it varies across different cultures, and how it may engage specific patterns of neural activation, as well as emerging directions of research.

1,510 citations


Cites background from "The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic ..."

  • ...A second line of reasoning posits that one branch of the parasympathetic nervous system regulated by the vagus nerve may have evolved uniquely in mammals to support attachment and caregiving behaviors so central to compassion (Beauchaine, 2001; Porges, 1995, 2001)....

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  • ...The vagus nerve and its source nuclei interact in the regulation of a “social engagement system,” which includes facial and vocal displays, looking and listening activities, and motor behaviors such as tactile contact (Beauchaine, 2001; Porges, 2001)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Adaptive Calibration Model is presented, an evolutionary-developmental theory of individual differences in the functioning of the stress response system that extends the theory of biological sensitivity to context (BSC) and provides an integrative framework for future research in the field.

1,009 citations


Cites background from "The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic ..."

  • ...In mammals, a specific role in this respect may be played by myelinated vagal fibres originating in the nucleus ambiguus, which apply a parasympathetic “brake” on cardiac activity (Porges, 1995, 2001, 2007)....

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References
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Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1903-Brain

1,781 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Polyvagal Theory is introduced to explain the different functions of the two primary medullary source nuclei of the vagus and speculates that mammalian, but not reptilian, brainstem organization is characterized by a ventral vagal complex related to processes associated with attention, motion, emotion, and communication.
Abstract: The vagus, the 10th cranial nerve, contains pathways that contribute to the regulation of the internal viscera, including the heart. Vagal efferent fibers do not originate in a common brainstem structure. The Polyvagal Theory is introduced to explain the different functions of the two primary medullary source nuclei of the vagus: the nucleus ambiguus (NA) and the dorsal motor nucleus (DMNX). Although vagal pathways from both nuclei terminate on the sinoatrial node, it is argued that the fibers originating in NA are uniquely responsible for respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Divergent shifts in RSA and heart rate are explained by independent actions of DMNX and NA. The theory emphasizes a phylogenetic perspective and speculates that mammalian, but not reptilian, brainstem organization is characterized by a ventral vagal complex (including NA) related to processes associated with attention, motion, emotion, and communication. Various clinical disorders, such as sudden infant death syndrome and asthma, may be related to the competition between DMNX and NA.

1,383 citations


"The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic ..." refers background in this paper

  • ...The polyvagal theory Porges, 1995, 1997, 1998 proposes dissolution, not in response to disease or brain trauma, but as an adaptive biobehavioral Žresponse strategy to differential challenges i.e. .threats to survival ....

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  • ...The polyvagal theory Porges, 1995, 1997, 1998 emphasizes the phylogenetic origins of brain structures that regulate social and adaptive survival-oriented defensive behaviors....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of existing behavioral and neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love reveals a recurrent association between high levels of activity in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the subsequent expression of social behaviors and attachments.

1,170 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The autoradiographic material, and additional double-labeling experiments, were used to identify and to characterize projections that interconnect the A1, A2 and A6 regions, as well as possible projections from these cell groups to the spinal cord.

1,099 citations