EEG dynamics of spontaneous stimulus-independent thoughts. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bocharov, Andrey V.; Knyazev, Gennady G.; Savostyanov, Alexander N.; Astakhova, Tatiana N.; Tamozhnikov, Sergey S.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive neuroscience. Volume 10:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: EEG -- default mode network -- self-referential thoughts -- mind wandering -- stimulus-independent thoughts; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 612.8205
• DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2018.1534820
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-8928

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, we aimed to compare the oscillatory dynamics accompanying self-referential and non-self-referential stimulus-independent thoughts. Electroencephalograms were recorded in 30 healthy participants who were asked to press buttons classifying their spontaneous thoughts as self-referential or non-self-referential. EEG data were analyzed using independent component analysis in conjunction with dipole localization. Self-referential thoughts, as compared to non-self-referential thoughts, were accompanied by more pronounced decreases of theta, alpha, and beta spectral power in the anterior hub of the default-mode network, in the left lateral prefrontal, motor/somatosensory, and temporal cortices. These oscillatory dynamics are interpreted as a reflection of autobiographical memory retrieval intrinsic to self-referential thoughts. Abbreviations : BA: Brodmann area; BOLD: blood oxygenation level-dependent; DMN: default mode network; EEG: electroencephalogram; ERSP: event-related spectral perturbations; fMRI: functional magnetic resonance imaging; PCC: posterior cingulate cortex; PET: positron emission tomography; PFC: prefrontal cortex; SIT: stimulus-independent thought; WM: working memory.