Neural substrates of self-referential processing in Chinese Buddhists.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Religious Studies

Background:

• Previous research linked self-trait judgment to VMPFC in non-religious individuals and DMPFC in Chinese Christians.
• Investigating neural correlates of self-referential processing in Chinese Buddhists is crucial for understanding cultural and religious influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the neural substrates of self-referential processing in Chinese Buddhists.
• To compare brain activity and functional connectivity during self-trait judgments across different cultural and religious groups.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to scan 14 Chinese Buddhists.
• Participants performed trait judgments about themselves, a political figure (Zhu Rongji), and religious figures (Sakyamuni, Jesus).

Main Results:

• Self-judgment in Buddhists showed reduced VMPFC activation but increased DMPFC/rostral anterior cingulate cortex, midcingulate, and left frontal/insular cortex activation compared to judging Zhu Rongji.
• Self-judgment was associated with decreased functional connectivity between the DMPFC and posterior parietal cortex relative to Zhu Rongji judgment.

Conclusions:

• The Buddhist doctrine of No-self potentially weakens VMPFC self-relatedness coding but enhances DMPFC evaluative processes for self-referential stimuli.
• Self-referential processing in Buddhists may involve monitoring cognitive conflict between the No-self doctrine and self-focused thinking.