The proposed research tests theoretical and methodological aspects of the Polyvagal Theory. The Polyvagal Theory proposes that the evolution of the mammalian nervous system provides the neurophysiological substrate for the emotional experiences and affective processes that are a major component of social behavior. The theory proposes an integrated Social Engagement System that includes both the phylogenetically most recent adaptation of the autonomic nervous system (i.e., the myelinated vagus that functions as the vagal brake) and the cranial nerve regulation of the striated muscles of the head. According to the theory, appropriate social behavior is a product of an active vagal brake and an active somatomotor component. When either one or both of the components is deficient, less appropriate social behavior will be observed. Two experiments are proposed to test hypotheses derived from the theory to investigate how expressions of components of the Social Engagement System may be related to social behavior. Study 1 uses a cross-sectional design to maximize sample size, estimate developmental trends, and investigate several methodological hypotheses including issues of test-retest reliability of measures of vagal activity. Study 2 uses a longitudinal design to address developmental and individual differences questions. Questions of intra-individual development as well as the usefulness of early measures of visceromotor and somatomotor components in the prediction of kindergarten and first grade measures of social behavior are addressed.
Specific aims are: 1) To examine the relation between the dynamic regulation of the vagal brake, cortisol activity, and social-emotional behavior in young children; 2) To examine age-related differences in the ability to recruit and integrate components of the Social Engagement System; and 3) To evaluate whether measures of the Social Engagement System assessed during preschool are related to individual differences in behavior and socialization in kindergarten and first grade.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01MH060625-02
Application #
6392676
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BBBP-2 (01))
Program Officer
Oliveri, Mary Ellen
Project Start
2000-07-10
Project End
2005-06-30
Budget Start
2001-07-01
Budget End
2002-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$371,459
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
121911077
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60612
Porges, Stephen W; Macellaio, Matthew; Stanfill, Shannon D et al. (2013) Respiratory sinus arrhythmia and auditory processing in autism: modifiable deficits of an integrated social engagement system? Int J Psychophysiol 88:261-70
Heilman, K J; Harden, E R; Weber, K M et al. (2013) Atypical autonomic regulation, auditory processing, and affect recognition in women with HIV. Biol Psychol 94:143-51
Bal, Elgiz; Harden, Emily; Lamb, Damon et al. (2010) Emotion recognition in children with autism spectrum disorders: relations to eye gaze and autonomic state. J Autism Dev Disord 40:358-70
Heilman, Keri J; Bal, Elgiz; Bazhenova, Olga V et al. (2008) Physiological responses to social and physical challenges in children: Quantifying mechanisms supporting social engagement and mobilization behaviors. Dev Psychobiol 50:171-82
Austin, Marilyn A; Riniolo, Todd C; Porges, Stephen W (2007) Borderline personality disorder and emotion regulation: insights from the Polyvagal Theory. Brain Cogn 65:69-76
Heilman, Keri J; Porges, Stephen W (2007) Accuracy of the LifeShirt (Vivometrics) in the detection of cardiac rhythms. Biol Psychol 75:300-5
Bazhenova, Olga V; Stroganova, Tatiana A; Doussard-Roosevelt, Jane A et al. (2007) Physiological responses of 5-month-old infants to smiling and blank faces. Int J Psychophysiol 63:64-76
Denver, John W; Reed, Shawn F; Porges, Stephen W (2007) Methodological issues in the quantification of respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Biol Psychol 74:286-94
Porges, Stephen W (2007) A phylogenetic journey through the vague and ambiguous Xth cranial nerve: a commentary on contemporary heart rate variability research. Biol Psychol 74:301-7
Porges, Stephen W (2007) The polyvagal perspective. Biol Psychol 74:116-43

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