Posterior cingulate cortex downregulation training using fMRI neurofeedback in adolescents with early life adversity exposure: a randomized, single-blind trial.
Xiaoqian Yu, Aki Tsuchiyagaito, Masaya Misaki, Gabe Cochran, Zsofia P Cohen, Manpreet K. Singh, Martin P. Paulus, Robin L Aupperle, Namik Kirlic
Translational Psychiatry July 13, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-025-03445-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 83 |
| Population | Adolescents with and without early life adversity |
| Intervention | neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training |
| Duration | One-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Awareness practice Mindfulness for adolescents Emotional regulation Affect management Stress management Emotional control Early life adversity Early life stress Childhood trauma Adverse childhood experiences Adolescent mental health Youth well-being Teen emotional health Adolescent well-being |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Adolescents with early life adversity showed greater difficulty down-regulating the posterior cingulate cortex compared to healthy controls, and neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training did not outperform sham feedback in improving self-reported outcomes. |
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) disrupts default mode network (DMN) integrity subserving self-referential processes involved in emotional awareness and regulation. Mindfulness training (MT) reduces self-referential processing and down-regulates the DMN. We employed neurofeedback-augmented mindfulness training (NAMT), combining a core mindfulness strategy (focusing on breath) with real-time fMRI neurofeedback (rtfMRI-nf) to modulate DMN by targeting the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). ELA-exposed (ELA; n = 43) and healthy control (HC; n = 40) adolescents completed a scan with three conditions: (a) Focus-on-breath (MT): rtfMRI-nf was presented as a variable-height bar, and adolescents attempted to lower the bar; (b) Describe: engaging self-referential processing; and (c) Rest. ELA were single-blind randomized to active PCC rtfMR-nf (NF; n = 22) or artificial feedback (SHAM; n = 21). Adolescents reported perceived stress, state mindfulness, and affect at baseline, post-training, and one-week follow-up. General linear models (GLMs) examined group differences (ELA vs. HC; NF vs. SHAM) on neural (MT vs. Describe) and self-report measures. ELA showed greater difficulty in PCC down-regulation relative to HC. For ELA, SHAM evidenced similar PCC down-regulation as active NF. All adolescents reported increased state mindfulness post-training. Relative to HC, ELA reported greater improvements in positive affect, negative affect and stress at follow-up. There was no difference in self-reported measures between active and SHAM. PCC responses in ELA confirm the region's utility as a potential treatment target. NAMT was feasible and acceptable for ELA-exposed adolescents, but may not enhance mindfulness training more than SHAM. Optimal strategies for enhancing PCC regulation in ELA may be elucidated with future research.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 23
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation Perspectives on Psychological Science October 10, 2017
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- The moderation of Mindfulness‐based stress reduction effects by trait mindfulness: Results from a randomized controlled trial Journal of Clinical Psychology December 22, 2010
- Effects of Meditation Experience on Functional Connectivity of Distributed Brain Networks Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
and 18 more in the library