Stephen Porges
Also known as Stephen W. Porges
American psychologist who proposed polyvagal theory in 1994.
At a glance
Roles
Polyvagal theory (Proposed it in 1994)
Main ideas
Two vagal systems, Vagal tone as a stress index, The controversy
See all 3Where to start reading
The Polyvagal Theory, The Polyvagal Perspective, Critiques of Polyvagal Theory: A Comprehensive Analysis
See all 3Connections
Psychological trauma, The polyvagal perspective and The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation
See all 3
Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Stephen Porges is an American psychologist and psychophysiologist.
- He proposed polyvagal theory in 1994, linking the vagus nerve to safety and social behaviour.
- The theory is influential in therapy and disputed by many scientists.
- He developed listening programs such as the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Why it matters
- His ideas shape how many trauma therapists talk about the nervous system, so it helps to know the person and the dispute.
Key facts
- Born
- 19451
- Known for
- Polyvagal theory (1994)1
- Roles
- Professor of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium, Indiana University1
- Past roles
- Director of the Brain-Body Center, University of Illinois Chicago; professor at the University of Maryland1
- Education
- BA, Drew University; MA and PhD in psychology, Michigan State University1
- Interventions
- Safe & Sound Protocol and Rest & Restore Protocol, auditory programs2
Roles
Main ideas
-
Two vagal systems1
Polyvagal theory distinguishes two vagal pathways with different regulatory roles, updating the idea of autonomic balance.
-
Vagal tone as a stress index3
He proposed respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a measure of how the vagus regulates the heart under stress.
-
The controversy1
Scientists question its measurement, neuroanatomy, evolution and comparative claims; he calls their critiques misrepresentations.
Where to start reading
The line under a date fills as it gets older: empty when new, full at 2 years.
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His book on the theory, published by W. W. Norton.
-
Review article in Biological Psychology setting out the theory.
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Critiques of Polyvagal Theory: A Comprehensive Analysis (opens polyvagalinstitute.org)5
His reply to the critics.
Connections
Links
Sources
- Stephen Porges (Wikipedia) (opens en.wikipedia.org)
- Stephen W. Porges, PhD (official site) (opens stephenporges.com)
- Polyvagal theory (Wikipedia) (opens en.wikipedia.org)
- The Polyvagal Theory, Stephen W. Porges (W. W. Norton) (opens wwnorton.com)
- Porges SW. Critiques of Polyvagal Theory: A Comprehensive Analysis (Polyvagal Institute) (opens polyvagalinstitute.org)
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