Modern understanding of machiavellianism increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many machiavellianism presentations.
The Nervous System in Machiavellianism
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to machiavellianism:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type machiavellianism
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by machiavellianism
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type machiavellianism
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Machiavellianism
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Machiavellianism
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving machiavellianism
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in machiavellianism