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Kabrel M, Tulver K, Aru J. The journey within: mental navigation as a novel framework for understanding psychotherapeutic transformation. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:91. [PMID: 38302927 PMCID: PMC10835954 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05522-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the demonstrated efficacy of psychotherapy, the precise mechanisms that drive therapeutic transformations have posed a challenge and still remain unresolved. Here, we suggest a potential solution to this problem by introducing a framework based on the concept of mental navigation. It refers to our ability to navigate our cognitive space of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and memories, similar to how we navigate physical space. We start by analyzing the neural, cognitive, and experiential constituents intrinsic to mental navigation. Subsequently, we posit that the metaphoric spatial language we employ to articulate introspective experiences (e.g., "unexplored territory" or "going in circles") serves as a robust marker of mental navigation. METHODS Using large text corpora, we compared the utilization of spatial language between transcripts of psychotherapy sessions (≈ 12 M. words), casual everyday conversations (≈ 12 M. words), and fictional dialogues in movies (≈ 14 M. words). We also examined 110 psychotherapy transcripts qualitatively to discern patterns and dynamics associated with mental navigation. RESULTS We found a notable increase in the utilization of spatial metaphors during psychotherapy compared to casual everyday dialogues (U = 192.0, p = .001, d = 0.549) and fictional conversations (U = 211, p < .001, d = 0.792). In turn, analyzing the usage of non-spatial metaphors, we did not find significant differences between the three datasets (H = 0.682, p = 0.710). The qualitative analysis highlighted specific examples of mental navigation at play. CONCLUSION Mental navigation might underlie the psychotherapy process and serve as a robust framework for understanding the transformative changes it brings about.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Kabrel
- Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Kadi Tulver
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jaan Aru
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Ng IKS, Lee J. Dealing with Death/dying in Medicine. Oman Med J 2024; 39:e584. [PMID: 38590450 PMCID: PMC10999755 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2024.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac KS Ng
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Joanne Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
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Maidhof C, Müller V, Lartillot O, Agres K, Bloska J, Asano R, Odell-Miller H, Fachner J. Intra- and inter-brain coupling and activity dynamics during improvisational music therapy with a person with dementia: an explorative EEG-hyperscanning single case study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1155732. [PMID: 37842703 PMCID: PMC10570426 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1155732] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Real-life research into the underlying neural dynamics of improvisational music therapy, used with various clinical populations, is largely lacking. This single case study explored within-session differences in musical features and in within- and between-brain coupling between a Person with Dementia (PwD) and a music therapist during a music therapy session. Methods Dual-EEG from a music therapist and a PwD (male, 31 years) was recorded. Note density, pulse clarity and synchronicity were extracted from audio-visual data. Three music therapists identified moments of interest and no interest (MOI/MONI) in two drum improvisations. The Integrative Coupling Index, reflecting time-lagged neural synchronization, and musical features were compared between the MOI and MONI. Results Between-brain coupling of 2 Hz activity was increased during the MOI, showing anteriority of the therapist's neural activity. Within-brain coupling for the PwD was stronger from frontal and central areas during the MOI, but within-brain coupling for the therapist was stronger during MONI. Differences in musical features indicated that both acted musically more similar to one another during the MOI. Conclusion Within-session differences in neural synchronization and musical features highlight the dynamic nature of music therapy. Significance The findings contribute to a better understanding of social and affective processes in the brain and (interactive) musical behaviors during specific moments in a real-life music therapy session. This may provide insights into the role of such moments for relational-therapeutic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Maidhof
- Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Josef Ressel Centre for Personalized Music Therapy, University of Applied Sciences IMC Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Viktor Müller
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olivier Lartillot
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kat Agres
- Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Music and Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodie Bloska
- Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rie Asano
- Institute of Musicology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Helen Odell-Miller
- Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Fachner
- Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Josef Ressel Centre for Personalized Music Therapy, University of Applied Sciences IMC Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
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Poe AA, Vance DE, Patrician PA, Dick TK, Puga F. Resilience in the context of dementia family caregiver mental health: A concept analysis. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 45:143-151. [PMID: 37544690 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Resilience has been identified as a key concept for dementia family caregiver mental health; however, the concept is not well defined. A concept analysis examining dementia caregiver resilience was conducted using Rodger's Evolutionary Method. The aim of this concept analysis was to describe the historical perspective, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of resilience as it relates to dementia caregiver mental health. Key attributes of dementia caregiver resilience were acceptance, coping strategies, social support, self-appraisal, and spirituality. The results from this concept analysis provide the foundation for the development of resilience-based interventions to support the well-being of dementia family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Poe
- School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - David E Vance
- School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Tracey K Dick
- School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Puga
- School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Real-time cerebral response of two classic acupuncture manipulations: Protocol for a randomized crossover fNIRS trial 两种不同古典针刺手法的实时中枢整合特征研究:一项基于近红外光谱成像技术的随机交叉试验研究方案. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Crum J, Zhang X, Noah A, Hamilton A, Tachtsidis I, Burgess PW, Hirsch J. An Approach to Neuroimaging Interpersonal Interactions in Mental Health Interventions. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:669-679. [PMID: 35144035 PMCID: PMC9271588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional paradigms in clinical neuroscience tend to be constrained in terms of ecological validity, raising several challenges to studying the mechanisms mediating treatments and outcomes in clinical settings. Addressing these issues requires real-world neuroimaging techniques that are capable of continuously collecting data during free-flowing interpersonal interactions and that allow for experimental designs that are representative of the clinical situations in which they occur. METHODS In this work, we developed a paradigm that fractionates the major components of human-to-human verbal interactions occurring in clinical situations and used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the brain systems underlying clinician-client discourse (N = 30). RESULTS Cross-brain neural coupling between people was significantly greater during clinical interactions compared with everyday life verbal communication, particularly between the prefrontal cortex (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus) and inferior parietal lobule (e.g., supramarginal gyrus). The clinical tasks revealed extensive increases in activity across the prefrontal cortex, especially in the rostral prefrontal cortex (area 10), during periods in which participants were required to silently reason about the dysfunctional cognitions of the other person. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates a novel experimental approach to investigating the neural underpinnings of interpersonal interactions that typically occur in clinical settings, and its findings support the idea that particular prefrontal systems might be critical to cultivating mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Crum
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Xian Zhang
- Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Adam Noah
- Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Antonia Hamilton
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilias Tachtsidis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W Burgess
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Hirsch
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Brain Function Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Cerebral Responses to Different Reinforcing-reducing Acupuncture Manipulations: Study Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Trial. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Crum J, Ronca F, Herbert G, Funk S, Carmona E, Hakim U, Jones I, Hamer M, Hirsch J, Hamilton A, Tachtsidis I, Burgess PW. Decreased Exercise-Induced Changes in Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics Are Associated With Depressive Symptoms. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:806485. [PMID: 38235451 PMCID: PMC10790946 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.806485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
People with a depressed mood tend to perform poorly on executive function tasks, which require much of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area of the brain which has also been shown to be hypo-active in this population. Recent research has suggested that these aspects of cognition might be improved through physical activity and cognitive training. However, whether the acute effects of exercise on PFC activation during executive function tasks vary with depressive symptoms remains unclear. To investigate these effects, 106 participants were given a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and were administered a set of executive function tests directly before and after the CPET assessment. The composite effects of exercise on the PFC (all experimental blocks) showed bilateral activation changes in dorsolateral (BA46/9) and ventrolateral (BA44/45) PFC, with the greatest changes occurring in rostral PFC (BA10). The effects observed in right ventrolateral PFC varied depending on level of depressive symptoms (13% variance explained); the changes in activation were less for higher levels. There was also a positive relationship between CPET scores (VO2peak) and right rostral PFC, in that greater activation changes in right BA10 were predictive of higher levels of aerobic fitness (9% variance explained). Since acute exercise ipsilaterally affected this PFC subregion and the inferior frontal gyrus during executive function tasks, this suggests physical activity might benefit the executive functions these subregions support. And because physical fitness and depressive symptoms explained some degree of cerebral upregulation to these subregions, physical activity might more specifically facilitate the engagement of executive functions that are typically associated with hypoactivation in depressed populations. Future research might investigate this possibility in clinical populations, particularly the neural effects of physical activity used in combination with mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Crum
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Flaminia Ronca
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Herbert
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabina Funk
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Estela Carmona
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Uzair Hakim
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isla Jones
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Hamer
- Institute of Sport Exercise and Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Hirsch
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Antonia Hamilton
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilias Tachtsidis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Burgess
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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