Functional transition rate of the default mode network is associated with self-reported resilience
Chun-Wei Hsu, Shu-Lan Hsieh, Wan-Rue Lin, Ya-Ting Chang, Yu-Shiang Su, Cheng-Ta Yang, Yun-Hsuan Chang, Sheng-Hsian Lin, Joshua Goh
Neuroimage October 6, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121508 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 336 |
| Population | Young adults (171 males, 165 females) |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | Smaller multi-voxel default mode network functional state transitions were associated with greater perceived self-resilience, particularly in individuals reporting lower external support. A similar association for regional mean-response transitions was less robust and potentially confounded by head motion and DMN region size. Associations were specific to the DMN, with limited contributions from sensory and salience networks. |
Abstract
Dynamic variations of information in our environment constantly influence our thoughts, requiring the brain to regulate its internal state transitions to maintain stable psychological functioning. Presumably, effective regulation of brain state transitions — defined as changes from one functional state to another over time — reflects psychological resilience whereas failure to adapt can lead to mental health challenges. However, the specific relationship between these dynamic functional changes and psychological resilience remains unclear. We evaluated neurocomputational changes of the default mode network (DMN) using indices of its functional transitions based on conventional regional mean responses as well as multi-voxel state dynamics, and examined their associations with self-reported resilience in a sample of 336 young adults (171 males, 165 females). Smaller multi-voxel DMN functional state transitions were specifically associated with greater perceived self-resilience, particularly in individuals reporting lower external support. Smaller transitions of DMN regional mean responses were positively associated with more generic resilience measures, though this appeared less robust and potentially susceptible to confounds such as head motion and the size of DMN regions. Associations between resilience and functional state transitions was specific to the DMN, with only limited contributions observed from sensory and salience networks. Our findings reflect a basis for making neurocomputational linkages between brain functional dynamics and subjective experiences. Potential applications for interventions are present for enhancing mental adaptability by modulating DMN transitions, offering a promising index for evaluating intervention outcomes and informing resilience-based mental health strategies.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A default mode of brain function Normal adult human brain | 2001 | Observational study | |
| Resting-State Functional Connectivity Reflects Structural Connectivity in the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational cohort | |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational study |