Erkenntnisse aus der Polyvagal-Theorie und ihre Relevanz für die Musiktherapie mit Frühgeborenen
Ruth Stakemann, Anne-Katrin Jordan
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system develops in accordance with evolution, from reptiles to mammals. It was only with mammals and their dependence on social engagement that a second part of the vagus nerve arose. This so-called ventral vagus is surrounded by a protective layer of myelin and enables prosocial behavior and a regulatory capability of the autonomic nervous system. In premature infants, the myelin layer has not yet formed, so they can hardly fall back on the ventral vagus. Findings from polyvagal theory emphasize the need for co-regulation via voice and sound. They also show how inappropriate acoustic stimulation can overwhelm the immature nervous system and, by activating defensive responses, impairventral vagus development and thus the development of bonding, resilience, as well as mental and physical health. Following a brief presentation of polyvagal theory principles, this article describes the effects of an immature autonomic nervous system in premature infants with regard to their regulatory abilities and auditory perception. The relevance to music therapy with premature infants is then discussed.