Autonomic Biological Congruence: Making Meaning a Measurable Physiological Construct

This working paper introduces the Autonomic Congruence Hypothesis, a physiological model proposing that heart rate variability (HRV) indices reflect dynamic autonomic allocation in relation to identity-relevant meaning congruence and incongruence. The framework formalizes the construct of Meaning Violation Stress, defined as a measurable autonomic contraction associated with persistent misalignment between lived behavior and identity-specific integrative afferent signaling. Using a structured multi-state assessment architecture termed Multi-State Autonomic Patterning (MAP), the model contrasts autonomic responses across neutral, meaning-aligned, and meaning-violation conditions within individuals. The paper outlines novel interpretive constructs including the Afferent Cognitive Interpretation Zone and proposes longitudinal tracking metrics to evaluate autonomic allocation patterns over time. The framework integrates established research in neurovisceral integration, allostasis, interoception, and affective science while introducing a structured method for operationalizing identity-related congruence within autonomic physiology. The document is presented as a working paper to support further empirical testing and peer-reviewed evaluation.