Key result
Optimistic self-evaluations correlated with increased resting-state activity in the DLPFC and DMPFC, while depressive tendencies correlated with decreased activity in the DLPFC and medial OFC.
Cross-Sectional (n=49)
No
p-value: p=<0.05
The dorsolateral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortices play pivotal roles in mediating the valences of self-referential content, with distinct resting-state neural correlates for optimistic versus depressive tendencies.
Hypothesis-generating for distinct prefrontal correlates of optimism and depression; leaves open causality and clinical relevance.
Unrealistic optimism is common among people making self-evaluations while reduced optimism has been linked to increased depressive symptoms. Given the importance of optimism for adaptive functioning, surprisingly little is known about resting brain states underlying optimistic and depressive tendencies. In the current study, two resting-state indices were used to examine neural correlates of the default mode network (DMN) associated with optimistic and depressive self-evaluation tendencies in a non-clinical young adult sample (N = 49). The analysis was constrained due to the self-referential nature of the DMN. Across different indices, bilateral superior frontal gyri of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and bilateral superior medial frontal gyri of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) played a key role in maintaining spontaneous optimistic self-evaluative tendencies. Conversely, decreased activity in the DLPFC and bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortices (OFC) were related to accentuated depressive symptoms. Together, results highlight the pivotal roles of the DLPFC and DMPFC in mediating valences of self-referential content.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wu et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy volunteers (n=49). Resting-state fMRI was evaluated on Correlation of optimistic and depressive self-evaluative tendencies with resting-state DMN indices (fALFF and ReHo) (p=<0.05). Optimistic self-evaluations correlated with increased resting-state activity in the DLPFC and DMPFC, while depressive tendencies correlated with decreased activity in the DLPFC and medial OFC.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: