02/19/2026
There’s a lot of talk right now about the “debunking” of Polyvagal Theory.
From what I’m seeing, much of the critique is not about whether the nervous system shifts into states of fight, flight, or shutdown. Those responses are well established in neuroscience 🧠 The debate is largely about the specific neurophysiological claims within the theory, particularly around vagal pathways and the evolutionary hierarchy, and whether those claims are as strongly supported by Stephen Porges' research as originally proposed.
That is an important scientific conversation 🔬
At the same time, in clinical spaces with children and families, Polyvagal Theory remains a profoundly useful framework.
While it's not a complete explanation of human behaviour.
It is a helpful framework for understanding the experience of oneself & others.
Here is why I'll continue to use it alongside attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, trauma research, and somatic approaches:
• It gives families shared language for nervous system states 🗣️
• It reduces shame by reframing behaviour as protection, not defiance
🤍
• It supports co-regulation instead of control
🌱
• It is accessible across ages, literacy levels, and neurotypes 🌎
• Clients consistently report that it helps them understand themselves and each other more clearly
💬
When a child can say, “I’m in shutdown,” instead of melting down in confusion, something shifts.
When a parent can think, “This is protection,” instead of “This is manipulation,” the relational field changes 🌱
Science evolves. Models get refined. That is healthy.
Using a framework responsibly, holding it lightly, not overstating its physiology, and integrating it with other evidence-based approaches is not anti-science. It is clinical humility.
We can engage in critical discourse and continue using tools that increase safety, compassion, and connection for the people and families we work with.
Both can be true 🤝
