Involvement of the Default Mode Network (DMN) and its modulation through large-scale control networks during the Attention Training Technique (ATT)

Abstract

Background: The Default Mode Network (DMN) is consistently implicated in self-referential thinking and rumination and shows altered functioning in depression and anxiety disorders. The Attention Training Task (ATT), a core technique in metacognitive therapy, aims to reduce internally directed attention by enhancing flexible attentional control. While previous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated ATT-related activation of large-scale control networks, including the frontoparietal network (FPN) and salience network (SN), evidence for DMN modulation remains inconsistent. Given that ATT theoretically targets internally focused attention, a network-based analytic approach may provide greater sensitivity in detecting DMN-related effects. Hypothesis-generating sample: We reanalyze fMRI data from a previously published study using a data-driven Independent Component Analysis (ICA) approach to extract large-scale networks (DMN, FPN, SN). In a hypothesis-generating sample (N = 43), condition-specific modulation of network activity and functional network connectivity (FNC) was examined across four conditions: rapid switching ATT, selective focusing ATT, and two control conditions. ICA revealed condition-dependent components in six networks including FPN, SN and DMN. DMN–FPN connectivity did not differ between conditions, whereas DMN–SN connectivity showed stronger coupling during rapid ATT compared to selective focusing and control conditions. Moreover, this modulation was moderated by self-reported attentional control (AC), with reduced condition-dependent DMN–SN modulation in individuals reporting lower AC. Preregistered Hypotheses (Sample 2): We predict (1) that ICA results in a DMN component which time courses differ between ATT and control conditions, (2) no condition differences in DMN-FPN connectivity but stronger DMN–SN connectivity during rapid ATT, and (3) moderation of condition-dependent DMN–SN connectivity by AC. Replication will strengthen understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying ATT.