Mediating role of the default mode network on parental acceptance/warmth and psychopathology in youth
Brain Imaging and Behavior October 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00692-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort (cross-sectional and longitudinal mediation analysis) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9,366 |
| Population | Children ages 8.9-10.9 years from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study |
| Duration | 1-year follow-up |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | Greater parental acceptance/warmth predicted greater within-default mode network resting-state functional connectivity, which in turn predicted lower externalizing symptoms at baseline and one year later. No significant mediation was found for internalizing symptoms. |
Abstract
Humans are reliant on their caregivers for an extended period of time, offering numerous opportunities for environmental factors, such as parental attitudes and behaviors, to impact brain development. The default mode network is a neural system encompassing the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and temporo-parietal junction, which is implicated in aspects of cognition and psychopathology. Delayed default mode network maturation in children and adolescents has been associated with greater general dimensional psychopathology, and positive parenting behaviors have been suggested to serve as protective mechanisms against atypical default mode network development. The current study aimed to extend the existing research by examining whether within- default mode network resting-state functional connectivity would mediate the relation between parental acceptance/warmth and youth psychopathology. Data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, which included a community sample of 9,366 children ages 8.9-10.9 years, were analyzed to test this prediction. Results demonstrated a significant mediation, where greater parental acceptance/warmth predicted greater within- default mode network resting-state functional connectivity, which in turn predicted lower externalizing, but not internalizing symptoms, at baseline and 1-year later. Our study provides preliminary support for the notion that positive parenting behaviors may reduce the risk for psychopathology in youth through their influence on the default mode network.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on default mode network, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- The default mode network and social understanding of others: what do brain connectivity studies tell us Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014
- Quality of maternal behaviour during infancy predicts functional connectivity between default mode network and salience network 9 years later. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience November 2018
- Default Mode Network Maturation and Environmental Adversities During Childhood. Chronic Stress 2018