Overview

The Psychology and Yoga Interest Group is pleased to facilitate an exploration and discussion about a landmark debate currently unfolding in autonomic neuroscience — one with significant implications for how we understand the relationship between the nervous system, psychological wellbeing, and embodied practice. At the centre of this debate is Polyvagal Theory (PVT), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, which has been widely influential across clinical psychology, trauma therapy, and somatic practice since its introduction in the 1990s.

This Journal Club invites members to engage with a landmark scientific exchange published in Clinical Neuropsychiatry (2026): a formal critique by 39 international experts who argue that core tenets of PVT are not supported by current neurophysiological and evolutionary evidence, and Porges’ own scholarly rebuttal. Together, these papers offer a rare and compelling window into how scientific theories are challenged, defended, and refined.

This debate raises important questions about the relationship between clinical utility and scientific rigour, and how practitioners navigate uncertainty when the evidence base for their tools is contested.

Come prepared to engage with both sides and to reflect on what this means for the frameworks we draw upon in both psychological and yoga-informed practice.

Pre-reading (Download below):

1. Grossman,P. et al. (2026). Why the polyvagal theory is untenable. An international expert evaluation of the polyvagal theory and commentary upon Porges, S.W. (2025). Polyvagal theory: current status, clinical applications, and future directions. Clin. Neuropsychiatry, 22(3), 169-184. doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260110
2. Porges, W. S. (2026). When a critique becomes untenable: a scholarly response to Grossman et al.’s evaluation of Polyvagal Theory. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23(1), 113-128. doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the core neurophysiological and evolutionary claims of Polyvagal Theory in light of the evidence and counter-arguments presented in both papers.
• Distinguish between a theory’s scientific foundations and its clinical applications, and consider whether therapeutic utility can be justified independent of mechanistic validity.
• Reflect on how to navigate contested evidence in practice, and engage responsibly with widely used frameworks when their scientific basis is under debate.

Presenter(s)

About the presenter(s)

Notes

Target Audience

This event is aimed at all psychologists interested in exploring the current debate about Polyvagal Theory.

Please note:

• This is a Member Groups event. All communication will be sent to the registrants’ registered email address. This includes event reminders with details (such as the Zoom link) and any pre-event or post-event resources, if provided by the facilitators.
• A post-event email will be sent within two weeks of the event’s completion to each registrant’s registered email address. This email will include the CPD certificate, and any additional resources shared during the session.

Duration of Access

This event will not be recorded.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.