Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Interventions Based on Polyvagal Theory for Psychological Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Zahra Abbasi kerdabadi 1
Amir Ghamarani 2
Mahdieh Salehi 3
1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Psychology and Education of Children with Special Needs, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Education of Children with Special Needs, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.48308/apsy.2024.234006.1589
Abstract
Aim: Psychological disorders have a significant impact on the global burden of disease, making it essential to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive psychological interventions. This research aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the efficacy of interventions based on polyvagal theory, a type of non-invasive neurobiological intervention for psychological disorders.
 
Method: Relevant studies from 1994 to 2023 were searched using reputable scientific databases and relevant keywords. Nine high-quality studies were selected based on the PRISMA statement. Data analysis was performed using the third version of Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, yielding 26 effect sizes.
 
Results: The results showed a combined effect size of 0.26, which was statistically significant at the 0.001 level. According to Cohen's interpretation of effect size, this indicates a medium effect size. In other words, interventions based on polyvagal theory can play a significant role in reducing psychological disorders. The meta-analysis results demonstrated high statistical validity, and there was no evidence of publication bias, enhancing the reliability of the results.
 
Conclusion: Interventions based on polyvagal theory can have a significant role in the treatment of psychological disorders. It is recommended that therapists and specialists utilize them in their treatment protocols.
Keywords
Psychological Disorders
Polyvagal Theory
Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review
Subjects
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