Editorial
A Three-Layer Cognitive Structure Theory of “Soma-Emotion-Meaning” Based on Embodied Cognition: Integrating Somatic Marker Hypothesis and Progressive Weakening-Compensation Principle — An Integrative Framework for Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Depression Comorbidity
@ARTICLE{10.4108/eetpht.11.11054, author={Tianran Zhang and Zixun Wang and Xusheng Zhang}, title={A Three-Layer Cognitive Structure Theory of “Soma-Emotion-Meaning” Based on Embodied Cognition: Integrating Somatic Marker Hypothesis and Progressive Weakening-Compensation Principle --- An Integrative Framework for Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Depression Comorbidity}, journal={EAI Endorsed Transactions of Pervasive Health and Technology}, volume={11}, number={1}, publisher={EAI}, journal_a={PHAT}, year={2026}, month={1}, keywords={Art therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Embodied cognition, Somatic marker hypothesis, Progressive weakening and compensation principle, Soma-emotion-meaning Theoretical framework}, doi={10.4108/eetpht.11.11054} }- Tianran Zhang
Zixun Wang
Xusheng Zhang
Year: 2026
A Three-Layer Cognitive Structure Theory of “Soma-Emotion-Meaning” Based on Embodied Cognition: Integrating Somatic Marker Hypothesis and Progressive Weakening-Compensation Principle — An Integrative Framework for Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Depression Comorbidity
PHAT
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eetpht.11.11054
Abstract
The comorbidity rate between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and depression reaches 50%, yet there is a lack of an integrated theoretical framework to guide digital health interventions. Existing research on sensory processing, emotion regulation, and meaning-making is fragmented, which limits the development of technology-enabled treatment solutions. This study integrates embodied cognition theory, the somatic marker hypothesis, and the principle of decreasing entropy and compensation, proposing a three-layer cognitive structure theory of "sensory awareness - emotional awareness - sense of meaning". This framework reveals that the comorbidity of ASD and depression stems from impairments in the three-layer cognitive pathway. Art therapy operates through dual mechanisms: sensory integration activates bottom-up neuroplasticity, while narrative reconstruction achieves top-down cognitive reappraisal. This theoretical model provides clear guidelines for the development of intelligent assessment tools, adaptive intervention algorithms, and data-driven personalized strategies in mobile health applications.
Copyright © 2026 Tianran Zhang et al., licensed to EAI. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NCSA 4.0, which permits copying, redistributing, remixing, transformation, and building upon the material in any medium so long as the original work is properly cited.
