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The Polyvagal Theory

Porges, S.W. "Orienting in a Defensive World: Mammalian Modifications of Our Evolutionary Heritage. A Polyvagal Theory." Psychophysiology, 32(4), 301-318. 1995.

Key provisions used in wiki

  • Identifies three hierarchical nervous system states: ventral vagal (social engagement), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown/freeze)
  • Establishes that ventral vagal engagement through safe social connection prevents escalation to sympathetic activation
  • Provides the neurophysiological basis for why peer support and calm, consistent communication are effective interventions for distressed individuals
  • Informs GiveCare's Mira design: maintaining a warm, steady presence activates the user's ventral vagal system, supporting co-regulation
  • Used in InvisibleBench to ground the Regard dimension, testing whether AI responses promote felt safety rather than triggering defensive states