Structural and functional neural correlates of vigilant and avoidant regulation style

Regulation of emotional arousal is a relevant factor for mental health. The investigation of neural underpinnings of regulation styles in healthy individuals may provide important insights regarding potential risk factors. To fill the gap of structural correlates of regulation styles and to expand previous results, we focused on the association between brain structure, neural responsiveness and vigilant/avoidant regulation style.

In n = 302 healthy individuals regulation style was assessed with the Mainz Coping Inventory (MCI). Participants underwent structural and functional MRI during an emotion-processing paradigm. Structural MRI (voxel-based morphometry) and functional MRI were analysed in two regions of interest (amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex [ACC]).

Regulation styles did not show an association with brain structure after correction for gender, age, trait anxiety, depressive symptoms. During emotion processing, a vigilant regulation style was negatively associated with ACC activation.

The cross-sectional study in a non-pathological sample is not adequate to unveil causalities or draw conclusions regarding prevention interventions.

Regulation styles are associated with specific neural activation patterns. The association of a high-vigilant regulation style and low ACC activation during emotion processing in healthy participants might be a potential risk factor.