Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of replication crisis in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Replication Crisis
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and replication crisis management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type replication crisis responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type replication crisis
Neuroception and Replication Crisis
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in replication crisis, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive replication crisis responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Replication Crisis Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms replication crisis management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.