The default network and self‐generated thought: component processes, dynamic control, and clinical relevance. (6th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrews‐Hanna, Jessica R.; Smallwood, Jonathan; Spreng, R. Nathan
• Other Names: Kingstone Alan guestEditor.; Miller Michael B. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 1316(2014)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2014-02-06
• Subjects: default -- autobiographical -- social -- self -- mind‐wandering -- psychopathology; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0077-8923

Abstract

Abstract : Though only a decade has elapsed since the default network (DN) was first defined as a large‐scale brain system, recent years have brought great insight into the network's adaptive functions. A growing theme highlights the DN as playing a key role in internally directed or self‐generated thought. Here, we synthesize recent findings from cognitive science, neuroscience, and clinical psychology to focus attention on two emerging topics as current and future directions surrounding the DN. First, we present evidence that self‐generated thought is a multifaceted construct whose component processes are supported by different subsystems within the network. Second, we highlight the dynamic nature of the DN, emphasizing its interaction with executive control systems when regulating aspects of internal thought. We conclude by discussing clinical implications of disruptions to the integrity of the network, and consider disorders when thought content becomes polarized or network interactions become disrupted or imbalanced.