The Synthetic Corridor: A Theoretical Model of Simulated Recovery in Trauma

This paper introduces the concept of the synthetic corridor (designated 0*): a state in which individuals appear to be engaged in recovery but remain physiologically dysregulated. Unlike authentic recovery, which requires a transitional phase characterized by inhabitable time and witnessed presence, the synthetic corridor simulates progress while perpetuating stagnation. Drawing on polyvagal theory, attachment research, and anthropological studies of liminality, we propose that modern systems of self-optimization may inadvertently produce and sustain this state. We present falsifiable hypotheses and a proposed empirical study design to test the model.