How to use theories to explain effects of the creative arts therapies: The case of Polyvagal Theory

Research on the effectiveness of Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) has significantly expanded over the past decade, yet a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to positive therapeutic outcomes remains necessary. Integrating concepts from psychology, social sciences, and neuroscience can enhance this understanding, but applying scientific theories requires assessing their robustness, validity, and relevance. This article explores how to evaluate the quality of existing theories, using Polyvagal Theory (PT) as a case study. PT has been increasingly applied in CATs research and practice to explain intervention effects on stress- and trauma-related outcomes. In addition to discussing PT’s general quality, its relevance to the field of CATs is considered, along with critical implications for practice, research, and education. The intention is to initiate an open dialogue on the appropriate use of scientific theories, such as PT, in explaining CATs’ therapeutic mechanisms. Although effort has been made to provide a well-supported discussion, opinion-based analyses inevitably involve some subjectivity. Expanding the theoretical scope beyond PT to other widely used or relevant models may further contribute to understanding the mechanisms of CATs. • Theories help explain the mechanisms and effects of Creative Arts Therapies (CATs). • Critical thinking is vital when integrating theories from diverse scientific disciplines. • Polyvagal Theory offers insights for CATs but requires careful evaluation • A clear, theory-based rationale strengthens CATs research, practice, and education.