Wandering Minds with Wandering Brain Networks.
Neuroscience Bulletin December 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0278-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational neuroimaging study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Functional connectivity Mind wandering Modularity |
| Key findings | Mind-wandering was associated with increased DMN activity and increased DMN-VS connectivity relative to on-task periods, along with many transitional nodes across diverse brain regions. FPN and VS functional connectivity correlated strongly with individual behavioral performance, which the authors argue highlights individual variation in mind-wandering and the importance of complementary large-scale brain networks. |
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) is associated with the occurrence of mind-wandering or task-unrelated thought. In contrast, the frontal-parietal network (FPN) and visual network (VS) are involved in tasks with external stimuli. However, it is not clear how these functional network interactions support these two different processes - mind-wandering and on-task - especially with regard to individual variation in the mind-wandering experience. In this study, we investigated the functional connectivity and modular structure among the DMN, FPN, and VS. Our results showed that, compared to the on-task period, mind-wandering was associated with increased DMN activity and increased DMN-VS connectivity. Moreover, mind-wandering was accompanied by a large number of transitional nodes, which expressed a diversity of brain regions. Intriguingly, the functional connectivity of the FPN and VS was strongly correlated with individual behavioral performance. Our findings highlight the individual variation of mind-wandering, which implies the importance of other complementary large-scale brain networks.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional connectivity of default mode network components: Correlation, anticorrelation, and causality Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational study using resting-state fMRI and seed correlation analysis | |
| Patterns of Brain Activity Supporting Autobiographical Memory, Prospection, and Theory of Mind, and Their Relationship to the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects | 2009 | Experimental study using fMRI | |
| Dynamic reconfiguration of the default mode network during narrative comprehension Human subjects | 2016 | Experimental study | |
| Broadband Cortical Desynchronization Underlies the Human Psychedelic State Healthy human participants | 2013 | Experimental study | |
| The brain on art: intense aesthetic experience activates the default mode network Human observers | 2012 | Observational study with fMRI and behavioral analysis |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- A Fragmented Mind: Altered States of Consciousness and Spirit Possession Between Rituals and Therapy. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science July 30, 2025
- Contemplative concordance with creativity Creativity Studies February 20, 2026
- Enhanced default mode network stability in highly superior autobiographical memory. Neuroimage March 25, 2026
- Default mode network connectivity contributes the augment effect stress recovery by natural viewing Neurobiology of Stress September 12, 2025
- Preventive effect of one-session brief focused attention meditation on state fatigue: Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Neuroimage August 15, 2024
and 6 more in the library
Cites 7
- Experience sampling during fMRI reveals default network and executive system contributions to mind wandering. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 26, 2009
- The salience network is responsible for switching between the default mode network and the central executive network: Replication from DCM Neuroimage May 24, 2014
- The wandering brain: Meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies of mind-wandering and related spontaneous thought processes Neuroimage February 25, 2015
- Dynamic functional connectivity of the default mode network tracks daydreaming Neuroimage June 25, 2014
- The role of the default mode network in component processes underlying the wandering mind Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience March 21, 2017
and 2 more in the library