The Polyvagal Theory in Contemporary Psychology: Why Popularity Should Not Be Confused with Scientific Validity

In recent years, the Polyvagal Theory (PVT) has gained remarkable popularity within clinical psychology, psychotherapy, trauma studies, and applied neuroscience. Despite its widespread adoption in training programs and clinical narratives, its core assumptions lack robust neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and methodological validation. This paper critically examines the scientific foundations of the Polyvagal Theory, highlighting conceptual ambiguities, methodological weaknesses, and epistemological risks associated with its uncritical use in psychology. Drawing on contemporary autonomic neuroscience and psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI), the paper argues that the success of the theory reflects narrative appeal rather than empirical robustness. This raises significant epistemological and methodological concerns for clinical psychology. The paper concludes by calling for a return to biologically plausible, falsifiable, and realistic integrative models of psychological regulation.