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Neural correlates of self-reflection.

Sterling C Johnson1, Leslie C Baxter, Lana S Wilder

  • 1Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. s2johns@chw.edu

Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|July 24, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Self-reflection involves neurocognitive processes in the brain. Functional MRI studies show anterior medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex activation during self-reflection tasks.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Self-awareness is crucial for cognitive function.
  • Self-reflection, a key component of self-awareness, involves understanding one's own traits, abilities, and attitudes.
  • Neurocognitive mechanisms underlying self-reflection remain an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurocognitive processes involved in self-reflection.
  • To identify brain regions associated with self-reflective thought using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Main Methods:

  • Eleven healthy volunteers underwent fMRI using echoplanar imaging and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast.
  • Participants completed a task involving yes-no decisions on aurally delivered statements.

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  • Experimental condition required reflection on personal traits and attitudes; control condition used basic semantic knowledge statements.

    • Main Results:

    • Consistent activation was observed in the anterior medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex across all participants.
    • Group analysis revealed significant activation in the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (corrected P = 0.05) and posterior cingulate (P = 0.02).
    • These regions are implicated in self-reflective thought.

    Conclusions:

    • The medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex form a neural system supporting self-reflective thought.
    • Findings align with lesion studies indicating the role of these areas in impaired awareness.
    • This study provides neuroimaging evidence for the neural basis of self-awareness.