The default mode network’s role in discrete emotion
A. Satpute, Kristen A. Lindquist
Trends in Cognitive Sciences August 16, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.07.003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key points | Proposes that the default mode network is important for constructing discrete emotional experiences beyond subcortical structures. |
Abstract
Emotions are often assumed to manifest in subcortical limbic and brainstem structures. While these areas are clearly important for representing affect (e.g. valence, arousal), we propose that the default mode network (DMN) is additionally important for constructing discrete emotional experiences (of anger, fear, disgust, etc.). Findings from neuroimaging studies, invasive electrical stimulation studies, and lesion studies support this proposal. Importantly, our framework builds on a constructionist theory of emotion to explain how instances involving diverse physiological and behavioral patterns can be conceptualized as belonging to the same emotion category. We argue that this ability requires abstraction (from concrete features to broad mental categories), which the DMN is well-positioned to support, and we make novel predictions from our proposed framework.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The default mode network in cognition: a topographical perspective | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The default mode network: where the idiosyncratic self meets the shared social world | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The default-mode, ego-functions and free-energy: a neurobiological account of Freudian ideas | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cooperation between the default mode network and the frontal–parietal network in the production of an internal train of thought | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- The default mode network in cognition: a topographical perspective Nature Reviews Neuroscience July 5, 2021
- The Dynamics of Affect Across the Wake-Sleep Cycle: From Waking Mind-Wandering to Night-Time Dreaming April 9, 2021
- A Narrative Review: The Role that Ketamine May Play in the Treatment of Depression and the Underlying Mechanisms of Its Effect BILT Student Research Journal 2025 - Issue 6 July 1, 2025
- Emotions Are Folk Concepts in a Predicting Brain Brain Sciences June 6, 2026
- Mental Construction: A Shared Framework in Psychology and Husserl-Inspired Model of Intentionality Journal for General Philosophy of Science March 26, 2026
and 12 more in the library
Cites 13
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Experience sampling during fMRI reveals default network and executive system contributions to mind wandering. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 26, 2009
- Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity in Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology March 29, 2012
- Decoupling of the brain's default mode network during deep sleep Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences June 19, 2009
and 8 more in the library