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Mildner JN, Tamir DI. Why do we think? The dynamics of spontaneous thought reveal its functions. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae230. [PMID: 38939015 PMCID: PMC11210302 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Spontaneous thought-mind wandering, daydreaming, and creative ideation-makes up most of everyday cognition. Is this idle thought, or does it serve an adaptive function? We test two hypotheses about the functions of spontaneous thought: First, spontaneous thought improves memory efficiency. Under this hypothesis, spontaneous thought should prioritize detailed, vivid episodic simulations. Second, spontaneous thought helps us achieve our goals. Under this hypothesis, spontaneous thought should prioritize content relevant to ongoing goal pursuits, or current concerns. We use natural language processing and machine learning to quantify the dynamics of thought in a large sample (N = 3,359) of think aloud data. Results suggest that spontaneous thought both supports memory optimization and keeps us focused on current concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith N Mildner
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Diana I Tamir
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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Heinilä E, Hyvärinen A, Parkkonen L, Parviainen T. Penalized canonical correlation analysis reveals a relationship between temperament traits and brain oscillations during mind wandering. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3428. [PMID: 38361323 PMCID: PMC10869894 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a growing interest in studying brain activity under naturalistic conditions. However, the relationship between individual differences in ongoing brain activity and psychological characteristics is not well understood. We investigated this connection, focusing on the association between oscillatory activity in the brain and individually characteristic dispositional traits. Given the variability of unconstrained resting states among individuals, we devised a paradigm that could harmonize the state of mind across all participants. METHODS We constructed task contrasts that included focused attention (FA), self-centered future planning, and rumination on anxious thoughts triggered by visual imagery. Magnetoencephalography was recorded from 28 participants under these 3 conditions for a duration of 16 min. The oscillatory power in the alpha and beta bands was converted into spatial contrast maps, representing the difference in brain oscillation power between the two conditions. We performed permutation cluster tests on these spatial contrast maps. Additionally, we applied penalized canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to study the relationship between brain oscillation patterns and behavioral traits. RESULTS The data revealed that the FA condition, as compared to the other conditions, was associated with higher alpha and beta power in the temporal areas of the left hemisphere and lower alpha and beta power in the parietal areas of the right hemisphere. Interestingly, the penalized CCA indicated that behavioral inhibition was positively correlated, whereas anxiety was negatively correlated, with a pattern of high oscillatory power in the bilateral precuneus and low power in the bilateral temporal regions. This unique association was found in the anxious-thoughts condition when contrasted with the focused-attention condition. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest individual temperament traits significantly affect brain engagement in naturalistic conditions. This research underscores the importance of considering individual traits in neuroscience and offers an effective method for analyzing brain activity and psychological differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkka Heinilä
- Faculty of Information TechnologyUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| | - Aapo Hyvärinen
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Université Paris‐Saclay, Inria, CEAGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Lauri Parkkonen
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical EngineeringAalto University School of ScienceEspooFinland
| | - Tiina Parviainen
- Centre of Interdisciplinary Brain Research, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and PsychologyUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
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Xie C, Li Y, Yang Y, Du Y, Liu C. What's behind deliberation? The effect of task-related mind-wandering on post-incubation creativity. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:2158-2170. [PMID: 36725764 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have already suggested that the deliberate nature of Mind-Wandering (MW) is critical for promoting creative performance. However, the deliberate nature of MW may be mixed up with task-relatedness. Whether the deliberate nature or task-relatedness of MW is responsible for such positive influence remains unclear. The present study tried to address this issue by investigating the influence of deliberate MW (MW-d) and task-related MW (MW-r) on post-incubation creative performance. Our result showed that MW-d is positively correlated with MW-r and spontaneous MW (MW-s) is highly positively correlated with task-unrelated MW (MW-u). Meanwhile, after controlling the possible confounding variables (i.e., the pre-incubation creative performance, the performance during distraction task, and motivation on creative ideation), both MW-d and MW-r predicted participants' AUT performance after incubation. However, the prediction model based on MW-r was stable while the MW-d-based prediction model was not. These findings indicate that the task-relatedness of MW, instead of its deliberate nature, might have a positive influence on subsequent creative performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yadan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
- Shaanxi Normal University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yilong Yang
- Research Center for Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, China
- School of English Studies, Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
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Chang L, Gong Z. The relationship between narcissism and creativity: A chain/serial mediation model. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Relationships between resting-state EEG functional networks organization and individual differences in mind wandering. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21224. [PMID: 36482176 PMCID: PMC9731960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When performing cognitively demanding tasks, people tend to experience momentary distractions or personal associations that intercept their stream of consciousness. This phenomenon is known as Mind Wandering (MW) and it has become a subject of neuroscientific investigations. Off-task thoughts can be analyzed during task performance, but currently, MW is also understood as a dimension of individual differences in cognitive processing. We wanted to recognize the intrinsically-organized functional networks that could be considered the neuronal basis for MW dispositional variability. To achieve this goal we recruited a group of normal adults, and eventually divided the group in half, based on participants' scores on the scale measuring dispositional MW. Next, these groups were compared regarding the arrangement of preselected intrinsic functional networks, which were reconstructed based on multi-channel signal-source resting-state EEG. It appeared that subjects who tend to mind wander often exhibited decreased synchronization within the default mode network, and, simultaneously, strengthened connectivity between 'on-task' networks of diverse functional specificity. Such within- and between networks integrity patterns might suggest that greater Mind Wanderers present an atypical organization of resting-state brain activity, which may translate into attenuated resources needed to maintain attentional control in task-related conditions.
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Li Y, Xie C, Yang Y, Liu C, Du Y, Hu W. The role of daydreaming and creative thinking in the relationship between inattention and real-life creativity: A test of multiple mediation model. THINKING SKILLS AND CREATIVITY 2022; 46:101181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
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Orwig W, Diez I, Bueichekú E, Kelly CA, Sepulcre J, Schacter DL. Intentionality of Self-Generated Thought: Contributions of Mind Wandering to Creativity. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2022; 35:471-480. [PMID: 37576950 PMCID: PMC10414778 DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2022.2120286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest that internally oriented cognitive processes are central to creativity. Here, we distinguish between intentional and unintentional forms of mind wandering and explore their behavioral and neural correlates. We used a sample of 155 healthy adults from the mind-brain-body dataset, all of whom completed resting-state fMRI scans and trait-level measures of mind wandering. We analyzed intentional and unintentional mind wandering tendencies using self-report measures. Next, we explored the relationship between mind wandering tendencies and creativity, as measured by a divergent thinking task. Finally, we describe patterns of resting-state network connectivity associated with mind wandering, using graph theory analysis. At the behavioral level, results showed a significant positive association between creativity and both intentional and unintentional mind wandering. Neuroimaging analysis revealed higher weighted degree connectivity associated with both forms of mind wandering, implicating core regions of the default network and the left temporal pole. We observed topological connectivity differences within the default network: intentional mind wandering was associated with degree connectivity in posterior regions, whereas unintentional mind wandering showed greater involvement of prefrontal areas. Overall, the findings highlight patterns of resting-state network connectivity associated with intentional and unintentional mind wandering, and provide novel evidence of a link between mind wandering and creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Orwig
- Harvard University, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Elisenda Bueichekú
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher A. Kelly
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London
- Max Planck University College London Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, London
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
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The time course of creativity: multivariate classification of default and executive network contributions to creative cognition over time. Cortex 2022; 156:90-105. [PMID: 36240723 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Research indicates that creative cognition depends on both associative and controlled processes, corresponding to the brain's default mode network (DMN) and executive control network (ECN) networks. However, outstanding questions include how the DMN and ECN operate over time during creative task performance, and whether creative cognition involves distinct generative and evaluative stages. To address these questions, we used multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to assess how the DMN and ECN contribute to creative cognition over three successive time phases during the production of a single creative idea. Training classifiers to predict trial condition (creative vs non-creative), we used classification accuracy as a measure of the extent of creative activity in each brain network and time phase. Across both networks, classification accuracy was highest in early phases, decreased in mid phases, and increased again in later phases, following a U-shaped curve. Notably, classification accuracy was significantly greater in the ECN than the DMN during early phases, while differences between networks at later time phases were non-significant. We also computed correlations between classification accuracy and human-rated creative performance, to assess how relevant the creative activity in each network was to the creative quality of ideas. In line with expectations, classification accuracy in the DMN was most related to creative quality in early phases, decreasing in later phases, while classification accuracy in the ECN was least related to creative quality in early phases, increasing in later phases. Given the theorized roles of the DMN in generation and the ECN in evaluation, we interpret these results as tentative evidence for the existence of separate generative and evaluative stages in creative cognition that depend on distinct neural substrates.
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Ren J, Huang F, Gao C, Gott J, Schoch SF, Qin S, Dresler M, Luo J. Functional lateralization of the medial temporal lobe in novel associative processing during creativity evaluation. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:1186-1206. [PMID: 35353185 PMCID: PMC9930633 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hemispheric lateralization of creativity has been a longstanding topic of debate, the underlying neurocognitive mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we designed 2 types of novel stimuli-"novel useful and novel useless," adapted from "familiar useful" designs taken from daily life-to demonstrate how the left and right medial temporal lobe (MTL) respond to novel designs of different usefulness. Taking the "familiar useful" design as a baseline, we found that the right MTL showed increased activation in response to "novel useful" designs, followed by "novel useless" ones, while the left MTL only showed increased activation in response to "novel useful" designs. Calculating an asymmetry index suggests that usefulness processing is predominant in the left MTL, whereas the right MTL is predominantly involved in novelty processing. Moreover, the left parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) showed stronger functional connectivity with the anterior cingulate cortex when responding to "novel useless" designs. In contrast, the right PHG showed stronger connectivity with the amygdala, midbrain, and hippocampus. Critically, multivoxel representational similarity analyses revealed that the left MTL was more effective than the right MTL at distinguishing the usefulness differences in novel stimuli, while representational patterns in the left PHG positively predicted the post-behavior evaluation of "truly creative" products. These findings suggest an apparent dissociation of the left and right MTL in integrating the novelty and usefulness information and novel associative processing during creativity evaluation, respectively. Our results provide novel insights into a longstanding and controversial question in creativity research by demonstrating functional lateralization of the MTL in processing novel associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Ren
- Corresponding authors: Jingyuan Ren, Donders Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Trigon Building, Kapittelweg 29, Nijmegen 6525 EN, Netherlands, ; Jing Luo, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Baiduizijia 23, Beijing 100048, China,
| | - Furong Huang
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Chuanji Gao
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, Netherlands
| | - Jarrod Gott
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, Netherlands
| | - Sarah F Schoch
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, Netherlands
- Center of Competence Sleep & Health Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Shaozheng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Psychology at Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 EN, Netherlands
| | - Jing Luo
- Corresponding authors: Jingyuan Ren, Donders Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Trigon Building, Kapittelweg 29, Nijmegen 6525 EN, Netherlands, ; Jing Luo, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Baiduizijia 23, Beijing 100048, China,
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10
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Sun J, He L, Chen Q, Yang W, Wei D, Qiu J. The bright side and dark side of daydreaming predict creativity together through brain functional connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 43:902-914. [PMID: 34676650 PMCID: PMC8764487 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Daydreaming and creativity have similar cognitive processes and neural basis. However, few empirical studies have examined the relationship between daydreaming and creativity using cognitive neuroscience methods. The present study explored the relationship between different types of daydreaming and creativity and their common neural basis. The behavioral results revealed that positive constructive daydreaming is positively related to creativity, while poor attentional control is negatively related to it. Machine learning framework was adopted to examine the predictive effect of daydreaming-related brain functional connectivity (FC) on creativity. The results demonstrated that task FCs related to positive constructive daydreaming and task FCs related to poor attentional control both predicted an individual's creativity score successfully. In addition, task FCs combining the positive constructive daydreaming and poor attentional control also had significant predictive effect on creativity score. Furthermore, predictive analysis based on resting-state FCs showed similar patterns. Both of the subscale-related FCs and combined FCs had significant predictive effect on creativity score. Further analysis showed the task and the resting-state FCs both mainly located in the default mode network, central executive network, salience network, and attention network. These results showed that daydreaming was closely related to creativity, as they shared common FC basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangzhou Sun
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China of Southwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Li He
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Qunlin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Dongtao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of EducationChongqingChina
- Faculty of PsychologySouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
- Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
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Frith E, Kane MJ, Welhaf MS, Christensen AP, Silvia PJ, Beaty RE. Keeping Creativity under Control: Contributions of Attention Control and Fluid Intelligence to Divergent Thinking. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2020.1855906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Frith
- The University of Mississippi
- Pennsylvania State University
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12
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Linz R, Pauly R, Smallwood J, Engert V. Mind-wandering content differentially translates from lab to daily life and relates to subjective stress experience. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 85:649-659. [PMID: 31832761 PMCID: PMC7900029 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Experience and thoughts that are unrelated to the external surroundings are pervasive features of human cognition. Research under the rubric of mind-wandering suggests that such internal experience is context-dependent, and that the content of ongoing thought differentially influences a range of associated outcomes. However, evidence on how the extent of mind-wandering and its content translate from the laboratory to daily life settings is scarce. Furthermore, the relationship between such patterns of thought with markers of stress in daily life remains underexplored. In the current study, we examined multiple aspects of mind-wandering of ninety-three healthy participants (47 women, 25.4 ± 3.9 years) in both the laboratory and daily life and explored two questions: (a) how are mind-wandering extent and content correlated across both settings, and (b) what are their relationships with subjective stress and salivary cortisol levels in daily life? Our results suggest that the extent of off-task thinking is not correlated across contexts, while features of content—i.e., social, future-directed and negative thought content—robustly translate. We also found that daily life subjective stress was linked to more on-task, negative, and future-directed thinking, suggesting stress was linked with the need to act on personally relevant goals. Based on these results we speculate that differences in the links between stress and ongoing thought in daily life may be one reason why patterns of thinking vary from lab to everyday life. More generally, these findings underline the need to consider both context and content in investigating mind-wandering and associated features of subjective experience, and call for caution in generalizing laboratory findings to participants’ daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Linz
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Reena Pauly
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Veronika Engert
- Research Group "Social Stress and Family Health", Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstr. 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Social Neuroscience, Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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13
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Mildner JN, Tamir DI. Spontaneous Thought as an Unconstrained Memory Process. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:763-777. [PMID: 31627848 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The stream of thought can flow freely, without much guidance from attention or cognitive control. What determines what we think about from one moment to the next? Spontaneous thought shares many commonalities with memory processes. We use insights from computational models of memory to explain how the stream of thought flows through the landscape of memory. In this framework of spontaneous thought, semantic memory scaffolds episodic memory to form the content of thought, and drifting context modulated by one's current state - both internal and external - constrains the area of memory to explore. This conceptualization of spontaneous thought can help to answer outstanding questions such as: what is the function of spontaneous thought, and how does the mind select what to think about?
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith N Mildner
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
| | - Diana I Tamir
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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Maillet D, Beaty RE, Adnan A, Fox KCR, Turner GR, Spreng RN. Aging and the wandering brain: Age-related differences in the neural correlates of stimulus-independent thoughts. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223981. [PMID: 31613920 PMCID: PMC6793871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have indicated that healthy older adults exhibit a reduction in task-unrelated thoughts compared to young adults. However, much less is known regarding age-related differences in time spent engaging in stimulus-independent thoughts or in their neural correlates in the absence of an ongoing task. In the current study, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data while 29 young (mean age = 22y) and 22 older (mean age = 70y) adults underwent experience sampling in the absence of an ongoing task (i.e., at “rest”). Although both age groups reported spending a similar amount of time engaged in stimulus-independent thoughts, older adults rated their thoughts as more present-oriented (rather than atemporal) and more novel. Moreover, controlling for these age-related differences in content, we found that experiencing stimulus-independent thoughts was associated with increased posterior cingulate and left angular gyrus activation across age groups compared to exhibiting an external focus of attention. When experiencing stimulus-independent thoughts, younger adults engaged medial and left lateral prefrontal cortex as well as left superior temporal gyrus to a greater degree than older adults. Taken together, our results suggest that, in the absence of an ongoing task, although young and older adults spend a similar amount of time engaging in stimulus-independent thoughts, the content and neural correlates of these thoughts differ with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Maillet
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, University of Toronto, North York, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Roger E. Beaty
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Areeba Adnan
- Department of Psychology, York University, Sherman Health Science Research Centre, Keele Campus, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kieran C. R. Fox
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Gary R. Turner
- Department of Psychology, York University, Sherman Health Science Research Centre, Keele Campus, Toronto, Canada
| | - R. Nathan Spreng
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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