States of Mind: Characterizing the Neural Bases of Focus and Mind-wandering through Dynamic Functional Connectivity
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience October 25, 2016 Benjamin W. Mooneyham, Michael D. Mrazek, Alissa J. Mrazek et al. 95 citations
During tasks requiring continuous engagement, the mind alternates between focused attention and mind-wandering. Using a dynamic functional connectivity approach with a sliding window, distinct brain states involving the executive control, salience, and default networks were identified during a sustained attention task focused on breathing sensations. The frequency of these states correlated oppositely with dispositional mindfulness, suggesting they correspond to focused attention and mind-wandering. A mindfulness intervention increased the frequency of the state associated with focused attention, especially in those who improved most in dispositional mindfulness. These findings support that mind-wandering involves corecruitment of executive and default network regions.