Activation and Connectivity within the Default Mode Network Contribute Independently to Future-Oriented Thought
Xiaoxiao Xu, Hong Yuan, Xu Lei
Scientific Reports February 12, 2016 DOI: 10.1038/srep21001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental neuroimaging study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | The anterior default mode subsystem was preferentially activated during reflection on the present self, while the posterior subsystem was preferentially activated during reflection on the personal future. Connectivity between the two subsystems was significantly decreased during future-oriented thought relative to other conditions. The authors argue these subsystems and their connectivity contribute differently to future-oriented thought. |
Abstract
Abstract: Future-oriented thought, a projection of the self into the future to pre-experience an event, has been linked to default mode network (DMN). Previous studies showed that the DMN was generally divided into two subsystems: anterior part (aDMN) and posterior part (pDMN). The former is mostly related to self-referential mental thought and latter engages in episodic memory retrieval and scene construction. However, functional contribution of these two subsystems and functional connectivity between them during future-oriented thought has rarely been reported. Here, we investigated these issues by using an experimental paradigm that allowed prospective, episodic decisions concerning one’s future (Future Self) to be compared with self-referential decisions about one’s immediate present state (Present Self). Additionally, two parallel control conditions that relied on non-personal semantic knowledge (Future Non-Self Control and Present Non-Self Control) were conducted. Our results revealed that the aDMN was preferentially activated when participants reflected on their present states, whereas the pDMN exhibited preferentially activation when participants reflected on their personal future. Intriguingly, significantly decreased aDMN-pDMN connectivity was observed when thinking about their future relative to other conditions. These results support the notion that activation within these subsystems and connectivity between them contribute differently to future-oriented thought.
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 13
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- Electroencephalography microstates highlight specific mindfulness traits. European Journal of Neuroscience April 1, 2024
- A dynamic framework of brain functional patterns shaped by spontaneous thoughts beyond the default mode network. Scientific Reports August 4, 2025
- The "two-brain" approach reveals the active role of task-deactivated default mode network in speech comprehension. Cerebral Cortex October 20, 2022
- Neural network involvement for religious experiences in worship measured by EEG microstate analysis. Social Neuroscience June 1, 2022
and 8 more in the library
Cites 4
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- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- Impact of meditation training on the default mode network during a restful state Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience March 24, 2012
- Increased default mode network connectivity associated with meditation Neuroscience Letters October 28, 2010