The second dimension is the valence of the emotion (horizontal axis, positive or negative)-assumed covariant with the degree of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. One dimension is the degree of emotional arousal (vertical axis, high to low)-known to be covariant with ANS balance. Two dimensions differentiate the varieties of emotional experience shown for simplification, the relevant psychological and physiological variables are superimposed on the axis for each dimension. The psychophysiological transition from one region to another involves an abrupt phase transition, which is depicted graphically by the white space between the two circles. Two qualitatively different categories of psychophysiological interaction are depicted-the area within the inner circle represents the range of emotional experience of 'normal,' everyday life the area beyond the outer circle represents psychophysiological hyper-states of extreme emotional experience. Graphic depiction of everyday states and hyper-states of psychophysiological interaction distinguished by the typology. This is shown to highlight the general morphology of the changes in heart rate and rhythm and the phase-transition between the states.

The bottom graph depicts a 10-second moving average of the heart rhythm data displayed in the top graph. The large downward spikes in the hyper-state waveform pattern, which indicate periodic drops in heart rate, result from the subject taking deep breaths. As is evident from this case, the negative hyper-state is characterized by a high heart rate and significantly reduced HRV.

Next, there is evidence of a relatively rapid transition, which culminates in a phase-shift into a negative hyper-state of intense anger. This was followed by a period (from about 6-12 minutes in the record) of sympathetic activation and increased heart rate. Clearly apparent is the point (spike) at which the subject's emotion of anger was triggered. Before the argument and resulting emotional activation, the graph shows a period of 'normal' psychophysiological activity. The heart rhythm data shown in the top graph were recorded from a male who was riding in a car and got into an argument with his wife. Appendices provide further details and research on psychophysiological functioning, reference previous research in this area, details onresearch linking coherence with optimal cognitive performance, heart brainsynchronization and the energetic signature of the various psychophysiological modes. Fromthis, the central role of the heart is explored in terms of biochemical, biophysical andenergetic interactions. Research ispresented identifying various psychophysiological states linked to these patterns, withneurocardiological coherence emerging as having significant impacts on well being.These include psychophysiological as well as improved cognitive performance. The concept of coherence is drawn on to understand optimalfunctioning which is naturally reflected in the heart’s rhythmic patterns. These communication networks are examined froman information processing perspective and reveal a fundamental order in heart-braininteractions and a harmonious synchronization of physiological systems associated withpositive emotions. Adynamic systems view of the interrelations between psychological, cognitive andemotional systems and neural communication networks in the human organism providesa foundation for the view presented. This article presents theory and research on the scientific study of emotion thatemphasizes the importance of coherence as an optimal psychophysiological state.

Brain heart coherence