Daydreaming Styles and Brain Functional Connectivity

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dahlia Alharoon (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Paul Silvia

Abstract: "Intrinsic modes of thinking, like daydreaming, are in large part related to more general thinking styles. Through neuroimaging techniques, we are able to identify daydreaming connectivity within brain networks. The brain’s default mode network is typically associated with unintentional thinking, while the fronto-parietal network involves more intentional forms of cognition. In this study, resting brain states were collected, and participants completed the Short Imaginal Process Inventory (SIPI) to ascertain distinctive daydreaming patterns among the individuals, including positive constructive (PC), guilt and fear of failure (GF), and poor attentional control (PA) styles. Connectome-based predictive modeling was used to estimate the pattern of each participant’s daydream connectivity from whole-brain, resting-state functional connectivity. In PC individuals, node connections found within frontal-parietal and default mode networks, which supports previous evidence of default mode activity associated with goal-directed cognition. Limbic network connectivity in GF individuals suggests more emotional qualities within their daydreams. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and subcortical/cerebellum activity in PA individuals suggests low maintenance of attention, as previously found in ADHD individuals. By delving into the individual differences of daydreaming styles, our research has contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of overall brain functional connectivity as it pertains to the intentionality and characteristic quality of different daydreamers."

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Daydreaming, mind wandering, resting-state functional connectivity, default mode network, frontoparietal network

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