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