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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: Datacite
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Nervous System Intelligence (NSI) Theory: Recovery Dynamics as the Basis for Inferring Durable Change

This paper forms part of the foundational theory now situated within Human Operating System Architecture (HOSA).
Authors: Eastman, Shannon E.; Hussain, Abrar; Rosenthal, Joshua;

Nervous System Intelligence (NSI) Theory: Recovery Dynamics as the Basis for Inferring Durable Change

Abstract

This paper advances Nervous System Intelligence (NSI) Theory by formalising recovery dynamics as the primary basis for inferring whether change is biologically durable. Building on the architectural constraints defined in NSI Theory I, the paper introduces a recovery-first inference framework that distinguishes integrated recovery, compensatory stability, debt-accumulating recovery, and fragmented recovery following identical perturbation. Recovery trajectories are treated as lawful system responses arising from underlying biological readiness rather than from differences in load, intervention, or effort. The paper demonstrates how superficially successful change may stabilise temporarily while remaining biologically unstable, accrue recovery debt, or collapse over time. NSI Theory II establishes recovery dynamics as a necessary analytical layer for distinguishing durable reorganisation from transient adaptation, providing falsifiable conceptual criteria for evaluating whether change is capable of holding. This work constitutes Theory Paper II in a three-paper theoretical series. It is published as a preprint to establish conceptual foundations and invite scholarly dialogue prior to empirical operationalisation and peer-reviewed submission. Author Terminology Update as of 31 January 2026 This paper was published under the term Nervous System Intelligence Theory. The theory is now situated within the broader framework of Human Operating System Architecture (HOSA), reflecting expanded scope and interdisciplinary applicability. The underlying mechanisms, principles and claims remain unchanged.

Keywords

change theory, personal growth, human development, human operating system architecture, human operating system, HOS, trauma informed, perturbation recovery dynamics, nervous system intelligence, HOSA, allostasis,

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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