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Gerchen MF, Glock C, Weiss F, Kirsch P. The truth is in there: Belief processes in the human brain. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14561. [PMID: 38459783 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Belief, defined by William James as the mental state or function of cognizing reality, is a core psychological function with strong influence on emotion and behavior. Furthermore, strong and aberrant beliefs about the world and oneself play important roles in mental disorders. The underlying processes of belief have been the matter of a long debate in philosophy and psychology, and modern neuroimaging techniques can provide insight into the underlying neural processes. Here, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging study with N = 30 healthy participants in which we presented statements about facts, politics, religion, conspiracy theories, and superstition. Participants judged whether they considered them as true (belief) or not (disbelief) and reported their certainty in the decision. We found belief-associated activations in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left superior parietal cortex, and left lateral frontopolar cortex. Disbelief-associated activations were found in an anterior temporal cluster extending into the amygdala. We found a larger deactivation for disbelief than belief in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex that was most pronounced during decisions, suggesting a role of the vmPFC in belief-related decision-making. As a category-specific effect, we found disbelief-associated activation in retrosplenial cortex and parahippocampal gyrus for conspiracy theory statements. Exploratory analyses identified networks centered at anterior cingulate cortex for certainty, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex for uncertainty. The uncertainty effect identifies a neural substrate for Alexander Bain's notion from 1859 of uncertainty as the real opposite of belief. Taken together, our results suggest a two-factor neural process model of belief with falsehood/veracity and uncertainty/certainty factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fungisai Gerchen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carina Glock
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Weiss
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Kirsch
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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Ju Q, Wu X, Li B, Peng H, Lippke S, Gan Y. Regulation of craving training to support healthy food choices under stress: A randomized control trial employing the hierarchical drift-diffusion model. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024. [PMID: 38197215 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Stress increases the likelihood of consuming unhealthy food in some individuals. Previous research has demonstrated that the Regulation of Craving - Training (ROC-T) intervention can reduce unhealthy food intake. However, its effectiveness under stress and the underlying mechanism remained uncertain. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the ROC-T intervention in improving healthy food choices and to explore the intervention mechanism through computational modeling employing the hierarchical drift-diffusion model (HDDM). This study adopted a 2 (ROC-T intervention vs. control) * 2 (stress vs. no-stress) between-subject experimental design. A total of 118 employees (72 women, Mage = 28.74) participated in the online experiment. Results show that the ROC-T intervention increases healthy food choices under stress and no-stress conditions. The HDDM results reveal a significant two-way interaction for non-decision time (Bayes factor, BF = 32.722) and initial bias (BF = 27.350). Specifically, in the no-stress condition, the ROC-T intervention resulted in lower non-decision time and higher initial bias compared with the control group. The findings validated the negative impact of stress on healthy food choices, and that the ROC-T intervention promotes healthy food choices both under stress and no-stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Ju
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebing Wu
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Binghui Li
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huini Peng
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sonia Lippke
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University Bremen gGmbH, Bremen, Germany
| | - Yiqun Gan
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Zhang Y, Ye Q, He H, Jin R, Peng W. Neurocognitive Mechanisms Underlying Attention Bias Towards Pain: Evidence From a Drift-Diffusion Model and Event-Related Potentials. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1307-1320. [PMID: 36921747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Although combining computational modeling with event-related potentials (ERPs) can precisely characterize neurocognitive processes involved in attention bias, it has yet to be applied in the context of pain. Here, a hierarchical drift-diffusion model (DDM) along with ERPs was used to characterize the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying attention bias towards pain. A spatial cueing paradigm was adopted, in which the locations of targets were either validly or invalidly predicted by spatial cues related to pain or nonpain signals. DDM-derived nondecision time was shorter for targets validly cued by pain signals than by nonpain signals, thus indicating speeded attention engagement towards pain; drift rate was slower for targets invalidly cued by pain signals than by nonpain signals, reflecting slower attention disengagement from pain. The facilitated engagement towards pain was partially mediated by the enhanced lateralization of cue-evoked N1 amplitudes, which relate to the bottom-up, stimulus-driven processes of detecting threatening signals. On the other hand, the retarded disengagement from pain was partially mediated by the enhanced target-evoked anterior N2 amplitudes, which relate to the top-down, goal-driven processes of conflict monitoring and behavior regulating. These results demonstrated that engagement and disengagement components of pain-related attention bias are governed by distinct neurocognitive mechanisms. However, it remains possible that the findings are not pain-specific, but rather, are related to threat or aversiveness in general. This deserves to be further examined by adding a control stimulus modality. PERSPECTIVE: This study characterized the neurocognitive processes involved in attention bias towards pain through combining a hierarchical DDM and ERPs. Our results revealed distinctive neurocognitive mechanisms underlying engagement and disengagement components of attention bias. Future studies are warranted to examine whether our findings are pain-specific or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhua Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ye
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao He
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Richu Jin
- Research Institute of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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Kanaev IA. Entropy and Cross-Level Orderliness in Light of the Interconnection between the Neural System and Consciousness. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:418. [PMID: 36981307 PMCID: PMC10047885 DOI: 10.3390/e25030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances, the origin and utility of consciousness remains under debate. Using an evolutionary perspective on the origin of consciousness, this review elaborates on the promising theoretical background suggested in the temporospatial theory of consciousness, which outlines world-brain alignment as a critical predisposition for controlling behavior and adaptation. Such a system can be evolutionarily effective only if it can provide instant cohesion between the subsystems, which is possible only if it performs an intrinsic activity modified in light of the incoming stimulation. One can assume that the world-brain interaction results in a particular interference pattern predetermined by connectome complexity. This is what organisms experience as their exclusive subjective state, allowing the anticipation of regularities in the environment. Thus, an anticipative system can emerge only in a regular environment, which guides natural selection by reinforcing corresponding reactions and decreasing the system entropy. Subsequent evolution requires complicated, layered structures and can be traced from simple organisms to human consciousness and society. This allows us to consider the mode of entropy as a subject of natural evolution rather than an individual entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A Kanaev
- Department of Philosophy, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 Xingang Xi Rd, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Han S. Default beliefs as a basis of social decision-making. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:1026-1028. [PMID: 36243672 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Default beliefs are implicit assumptions about the future existence of oneself, others, and the environment. They differ from individual and cultural beliefs in that they are held universally, implicitly, and with high confidence. What is the content of default beliefs? How are they represented in the brain? And what is their role in social decision-making?
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Han
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Musanabaganwa C, Jansen S, Wani A, Rugamba A, Mutabaruka J, Rutembesa E, Uwineza A, Fatumo S, Hermans EJ, Souopgui J, Wildman DE, Uddin M, Roozendaal B, Njemini R, Mutesa L. Community engagement in epigenomic and neurocognitive research on post-traumatic stress disorder in Rwandans exposed to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: lessons learned. Epigenomics 2022; 14:887-895. [PMID: 36004496 PMCID: PMC9475497 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic and neurocognitive studies have provided new perspectives on post-traumatic stress disorder and its intergenerational transmission. This article outlines the lessons learned from community engagement (CE) in such research on Rwandan genocide survivors. A strong trauma-related response was observed within the research project-targeted community (genocide survivors) during explanation of the project. CE also revealed privacy concerns, as community members worried that any leakage of genetic/(epi)genomic data could affect not only themselves but also their close relatives. Adopting a culture of CE in the process of research implementation enables the prioritization of targeted community needs and interests. Furthermore, CE has stimulated the development of mental healthcare interventions, which married couples can apply to protect their offspring and thus truly break the cycle of inherited vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Musanabaganwa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands.,Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette Campus, 1090, Belgium
| | - Stefan Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Directorate of Research & Innovation, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO-BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Agaz Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alex Rugamba
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Jean Mutabaruka
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Eugene Rutembesa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Annette Uwineza
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Segun Fatumo
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.,The African Computational Genomics (TACG) Research Group, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM, Entebbe, 31302, Uganda
| | - Erno J Hermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology & Molecular Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, Gosselies, 126040, Belgium
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Rose Njemini
- Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette Campus, 1090, Belgium
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
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