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13 pages, 2248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between the Enriched Environment Level and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

by Andrés Vega-Rosas, Mónica Flores-Ramos and Gerardo Bernabé Ramírez-Rodríguez

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111137 - 13 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 959

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric condition whose neurobiological characteristics include alterations in brain plasticity, modulated by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In animal models, environmental enrichment promotes neuroplasticity and reduces depressive-like behaviors. In humans, we proposed to assess the level of Enriched [...] Read more.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric condition whose neurobiological characteristics include alterations in brain plasticity, modulated by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In animal models, environmental enrichment promotes neuroplasticity and reduces depressive-like behaviors. In humans, we proposed to assess the level of Enriched Environment (EE) using a questionnaire that includes different domains of the EE (cognitive, social, and physical), which we named the EE Indicator (EEI). Objective: To determine the relationship between the level of EE and serum BDNF in participants with MDD and healthy controls. Materials: Participants with MDD without antidepressant treatment and healthy controls were recruited, and their EE level and serum BDNF concentration were determined looking for correlations between their clinical characteristics and the cognitive, social, and physical activities according to the EEI. Results: A total of 25 participants were recruited, of which 6 participants with MDD and the same number of controls were selected in a paired manner. Although no differences were found in the concentration of BDNF between the groups, positive correlations were observed between cognitive EE and BDNF (r = 0.62, p = 0.035), as well as negative social EE and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) (r = −0.86, p = 0.001). The sum between cognitive and social EE showed a positive correlation with the serum concentration of BDNF (r = 0.34, p = 0.0451). Conclusions: The level of EE is potentially modulating the presence and severity of MDD at a clinical level, but it can also influence at a neuroplastic level through promoting or limiting the concentration of BDNF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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13 pages, 2523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Freely Moving Mind Wandering Relates to Creativity: Behavioral and Neural Evidence

by Qiuyang Feng, Linman Weng, Li Geng and Jiang Qiu

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111122 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1328

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that mind wandering during incubation phases enhances post-incubation creative performance. Recent empirical evidence, however, has highlighted a specific form of mind wandering closely related to creativity, termed freely moving mind wandering (FMMW). In this study, we examined the [...] Read more.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that mind wandering during incubation phases enhances post-incubation creative performance. Recent empirical evidence, however, has highlighted a specific form of mind wandering closely related to creativity, termed freely moving mind wandering (FMMW). In this study, we examined the behavioral and neural associations between FMMW and creativity. Methods: We initially validated a questionnaire measuring FMMW by comparing its results with those from the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). Data were collected from 1316 participants who completed resting-state fMRI scans, the FMMW questionnaire, and creative tasks. Correlation analysis and Bayes factors indicated that FMMW was associated with creative thinking (AUT). To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between FMMW and creativity, Hidden Markov Models (HMM) were employed to analyze the temporal dynamics of the resting-state fMRI data. Results: Our findings indicated that brain dynamics associated with FMMW involve integration within multiple networks and between networks (r = −0.11, p_FDR < 0.05). The links between brain dynamics associated with FMMW and creativity were mediated by FMMW (c’ = 0.01, [−0.0181, −0.0029]). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the relationship between FMMW and creativity, offering insights into the neural mechanisms underpinning this relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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17 pages, 1939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Choice Emotion Regulation Enhances Stress Reduction: Neural Basis of Self-Choice Emotion Regulation

by Nozomi Imajo, Yutaka Matsuzaki, Akiko Kobayashi, Kohei Sakaki, Rui Nouchi and Ryuta Kawashima

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111077 - 28 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Opting to perform emotion regulation when facing high-arousal stimuli enhances the reduction in negative emotions. Previous research has indicated that self-choice, that is, personally choosing from multiple alternatives, can improve performance. However, it is unclear whether the emotion regulation strategy chosen among [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Opting to perform emotion regulation when facing high-arousal stimuli enhances the reduction in negative emotions. Previous research has indicated that self-choice, that is, personally choosing from multiple alternatives, can improve performance. However, it is unclear whether the emotion regulation strategy chosen among multiple alternatives in daily life enhances stress reduction compared to a forced strategy. This study aimed to reveal the effects of self-choice emotion regulation and its underlying neural basis. Methods: Participants were 40 healthy adults who met the inclusion criteria; they performed self-choice emotion regulation, forced emotion regulation, and no emotion regulation (the control condition) while their brain activity was captured using a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner. First, the participants were shown a stressful scenario. Secondly, they rated the stress they experienced. Thirdly, they performed self-choice or forced emotion regulation or did nothing. Finally, participants rated their stress level again. Results: Self-choice emotion regulation reduced stress better than forced-choice emotion regulation. The stress reduction was associated with decreases in the activation of the left opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusions: Self-choice can improve emotion regulation, and this effect is likely mediated by the neural efficiency of the left inferior frontal gyrus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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13 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metacognition-Associated Factors in Physical and Occupational Therapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Keisuke Taniguchi, Naoki Maki, Harumi Sakamoto, Tomonari Inuta, Bokun Kim, Sechang Oh and Thomas Mayers

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101041 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Supporting the mental well-being of students through their educational journey is of vital importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognition, personality traits, and various factors affecting mental health in a cohort of physical therapy (PT) and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Supporting the mental well-being of students through their educational journey is of vital importance. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between metacognition, personality traits, and various factors affecting mental health in a cohort of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved a self-administered questionnaire (distributed in October to November 2020) that gathered demographic information and included six scales measuring personality characteristics, health literacy, self-management skills, exercise habits (benefits and barriers), cognitive thinking, and cognitive deliberateness and impulsivity. Results: A cohort of 195 PT and OT students participated in the study. The findings revealed significant associations between metacognition and personality, particularly the association between low cognitive self-confidence and high emotional instability. This link suggests that students who struggle with cognitive self-confidence may also experience greater emotional instability, highlighting a need for targeted mental health support. Additionally, health literacy was negatively correlated with anxiety, while metacognition was positively correlated with perceived exercise benefits. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of individualized metacognitive approaches to support students’ mental well-being. Interventions should focus on strengthening cognitive self-confidence through methods such as resilience training, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness practices to help manage emotional instability. Furthermore, promoting physical activity, particularly among female students, and incorporating gender-specific strategies could enhance mental health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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18 pages, 1359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotion-Driven Moral Evaluation: A Mechanistic Study Based on the Drift-Diffusion Model

by Junfei Lin, Xinlu Zhao, Nian Zhao and Tour Liu

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101005 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1287

Abstract

Background: Moral evaluation is identified as the first stage in the theory of moral judgment, and academics believe that it may align with the social intuitionist model. This study aims to prove that the model’s emotional dominance hypothesis applies to moral evaluation by [...] Read more.

Background: Moral evaluation is identified as the first stage in the theory of moral judgment, and academics believe that it may align with the social intuitionist model. This study aims to prove that the model’s emotional dominance hypothesis applies to moral evaluation by presenting a computational decision-making model that mathematically formalizes this emotional dominance decision-making process. We also compared different types of valence evaluation tasks to test the emotional priority hypothesis. Methods: We used a convenience sampling method to randomly recruit 30 enrolled college students. The drift-diffusion model was employed to analyze reaction times for words with various emotional and moral valences Additionally, we designed different valence evaluation tasks based on the response relevance hypothesis and evaluated the processing order through reaction time comparisons. Results: The analysis revealed that the emotional mechanism of immoral evaluation differs from moral evaluation. An increase in emotional valence accelerates the speed of evidence accumulation (v) for moral evaluation (M = 1.21, 0.2% < 0 < 99.8%) but lowers decision caution (a) in immoral evaluation (M = −0.64, 96.1% < 0 < 3.9%). In contrast, moral valence does not have a significant influence on evaluation processes (v, M = −0.28, 72.1% < 0 < 27.9%; a, M = −0.32, 79.3% < 0 < 20.7%). Furthermore, We found no significant difference in reaction times between moral and immoral words in the emotional evaluation task (F(1,29) = 0.55, p = 0.464, partial η² = 0.02), but a significant difference existed in the moral evaluation task (F(1,29) = 17.99, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.38), indicating that the tendency of relatively fast immoral evaluation in emotional evaluation tasks may be caused by emotional priority. Conclusions: Our findings support the intuitive model’s emotional dominance hypothesis and introduce a new emotional mechanism into moral evaluation. This study clarifies the distinct emotional processes in moral and immoral evaluations, fills a gap in the research on moral evaluation, and offers insights into human decision-making in moral contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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8 pages, 1064 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Enhanced Empathic Pain by Facial Feedback

by Seoyoung Lee, Yeonjoo Yoo, Heeyoung Moon, In-Seon Lee and Younbyoung Chae

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14010005 - 20 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1712

Abstract

The facial feedback hypothesis states that feedback from cutaneous and muscular afferents affects our emotion. Based on the facial feedback hypothesis, the purpose of this study was to determine whether enhancing negative emotion by activating a facial muscle (corrugator supercilii) increases the intensity [...] Read more.

The facial feedback hypothesis states that feedback from cutaneous and muscular afferents affects our emotion. Based on the facial feedback hypothesis, the purpose of this study was to determine whether enhancing negative emotion by activating a facial muscle (corrugator supercilii) increases the intensity of cognitive and emotional components of empathic pain. We also assessed whether the muscle contraction changed the pupil size, which would indicate a higher level of arousal. Forty-eight individuals completed 40 muscular contraction and relaxation trials while looking at images of five male and five female patients with neutral and painful facial expressions, respectively. Participants were asked to rate (1) how much pain the patient was in, and (2) how unpleasant their own feelings were. We also examined their facial muscle activities and changes in pupil size. No significant differences in pain or unpleasantness ratings were detected for the neutral face between the two conditions; however, the pain and unpleasantness ratings for the painful face were considerably higher in the contraction than relaxation condition. The pupils were considerably larger in the contraction than relaxation condition for both the painful and neutral faces. Our findings indicate that, by strengthening the corrugator supercilii, facial feedback can affect both the cognitive evaluative and affective sharing aspects of empathic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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11 pages, 962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritized Identification of Fearful Eyes during the Attentional Blink Is Not Automatic

by Shuaixia Li, Bin Hao, Wei Dang, Weiqi He and Wenbo Luo

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(10), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13101392 - 29 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1193

Abstract

The eye region conveys considerable information regarding an individual’s emotions, motivations, and intentions during interpersonal communication. Evidence suggests that the eye regions of an individual expressing emotions can capture attention more rapidly than the eye regions of an individual in a neutral affective [...] Read more.

The eye region conveys considerable information regarding an individual’s emotions, motivations, and intentions during interpersonal communication. Evidence suggests that the eye regions of an individual expressing emotions can capture attention more rapidly than the eye regions of an individual in a neutral affective state. However, how attentional resources affect the processing of emotions conveyed by the eye regions remains unclear. Accordingly, the present study employed a dual-target rapid serial visual presentation task: happy, neutral, or fearful eye regions were presented as the second target, with a temporal lag between two targets of 232 or 696 ms. Participants completed two tasks successively: Task 1 was to identify which species the upright eye region they had seen belonged to, and Task 2 was to identify what emotion was conveyed in the upright eye region. The behavioral results showed that the accuracy for fearful eye regions was lower than that for neutral eye regions under the condition of limited attentional resources; however, accuracy differences across the three types of eye regions did not reach significance under the condition of adequate attentional resources. These findings indicate that preferential processing of fearful expressions is not automatic but is modulated by available attentional resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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14 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Intelligence, Innovative Work Behavior, and Cultural Intelligence Reflection on Innovation Performance in the Healthcare Industry

by Rima H. Binsaeed, Zahid Yousaf, Adriana Grigorescu, Elena Condrea and Abdelmohsen A. Nassani

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(7), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13071071 - 13 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4390

Abstract

Innovation requires creativity, risk-taking, and the ability to manage change effectively, all of which are closely linked to emotional intelligence. Individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence are more flexible, adaptable, and resilient in technological advancements and are better able to respond effectively [...] Read more.

Innovation requires creativity, risk-taking, and the ability to manage change effectively, all of which are closely linked to emotional intelligence. Individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence are more flexible, adaptable, and resilient in technological advancements and are better able to respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities. Thus, this study aims to recognize the significant role of emotional intelligence, along with the mediation of innovative work behavior (IWB) and the moderation role of cultural intelligence in the attainment of innovation performance. This is quantitative research and for data collection, a questionnaire was used in healthcare institutions. The result shows that emotional intelligence is an antecedent of innovation performance. The finding also proved that IWB mediates the linkage between emotional intelligence and innovation performance. In addition, the outcomes show that cultural intelligence strengthens the relationship between emotional intelligence and innovation performance. However, the current dynamic business world has created an urgency to understand the linkage between the employee’s emotional intelligence and employee innovative performance, particularly taking into consideration the mediation effect of IWB. Emotional intelligence and innovation are closely linked, and innovative work behavior connects this link in a stronger way. This study offered a unique framework for achieving innovation performance through the nexus of emotional intelligence, innovative work behavior, and cultural intelligence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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22 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Early Maladaptive Schemas and Schema Modes among People with Histories of Suicidality and the Possibility of a Universal Pattern: A Systematic Review

by Anna Grażka and Dominik Strzelecki

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13081216 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

Background: The identification of variables affecting suicidality and the search for interventions to reduce suicide risk are priorities among mental health researchers. A promising direction for such research is schema therapy and its two main constructs, i.e., early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and schema [...] Read more.

Background: The identification of variables affecting suicidality and the search for interventions to reduce suicide risk are priorities among mental health researchers. A promising direction for such research is schema therapy and its two main constructs, i.e., early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and schema modes. Methods: This systematic review was designed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. It summarizes the studies conducted to date that describe the relationship between EMSs and schema modes and measures of suicidality in individuals over the age of 16. Results: The review confirmed that there are many significant associations between EMSs (especially from the Disconnection/Rejection domain) and suicide risk. Although only one study was found that explores the association between schema modes and suicidality, the correlations it identified are also confirmed here. Discussion: The results show the unquestionable importance of EMSs and schema modes in assessing suicide risk. The co-occurrence of these variables represents the first step in further assessing causality and introducing schema therapy techniques into work with patients who are at risk of suicide. This issue requires more extensive experimental research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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29 pages, 2324 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

The Role of Serotonin in Fear Learning and Memory: A Systematic Review of Human Studies

by Francesco Tortora, Abed L. Hadipour, Simone Battaglia, Alessandra Falzone, Alessio Avenanti and Carmelo M. Vicario

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(8), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13081197 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6794

Abstract

Fear is characterized by distinct behavioral and physiological responses that are essential for the survival of the human species. Fear conditioning (FC) serves as a valuable model for studying the acquisition, extinction, and expression of fear. The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system is known [...] Read more.

Fear is characterized by distinct behavioral and physiological responses that are essential for the survival of the human species. Fear conditioning (FC) serves as a valuable model for studying the acquisition, extinction, and expression of fear. The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system is known to play a significant role in emotional and motivational aspects of human behavior, including fear learning and expression. Accumulating evidence from both animal and human studies suggests that brain regions involved in FC, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, possess a high density of 5-HT receptors, implicating the crucial involvement of serotonin in aversive learning. Additionally, studies exploring serotonin gene polymorphisms have indicated their potential influence on FC. Therefore, the objective of this work was to review the existing evidence linking 5-HT with fear learning and memory in humans. Through a comprehensive screening of the PubMed and Web of Science databases, 29 relevant studies were included in the final review. These studies investigated the relationship between serotonin and fear learning using drug manipulations or by studying 5-HT-related gene polymorphisms. The results suggest that elevated levels of 5-HT enhance aversive learning, indicating that the modulation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors regulates the expression of fear responses in humans. Understanding the role of this neurochemical messenger in associative aversive learning can provide insights into psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linkage among Cognition, Emotion and Behavior)

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