Neural correlates of different self domains

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• The neural basis of self-related states is complex and not fully understood.
• Self-related states may vary depending on the specific information domain (e.g., personal history vs. current bodily sensations).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the brain correlates of self-related states concerning autobiographical self (historical life aspects) and core self (ongoing body status).
• To identify distinct neural patterns associated with different self-related information domains.

Main Methods:

• A block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was conducted.
• Nineteen participants processed information related to core self (interoception, exteroception) and autobiographical self (personality traits, biographic facts).
• Brain activity was analyzed in memory-related regions, body-related regions, cortical midline structures (CMSs), and insular cortices (ICs).

Main Results:

• Both autobiographical and core self states engaged regions of interest.
• Autobiographical self processing showed greater activation in memory regions (e.g., hippocampus), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and posteromedial cortex (PMC).
• Core self processing was associated with increased activity in body-related regions (e.g., somatosensory cortices), PMC, and insular cortices (ICs).

Conclusions:

• Neural correlates of self-related states are domain-dependent.
• Distinct brain activity patterns in memory and body regions, as well as CMSs and ICs, differentiate between autobiographical and core self states.