Brain State Relays Self-Processing and Heartbeat-Evoked Cortical Responses.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology

Background:

• The self is theorized to emerge from interoceptive processing, with heartbeat-evoked cortical activity (HECA) as a potential neurophysiological marker.
• Existing research shows inconsistent findings regarding the link between HECA and various forms of self-processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between self-processing and HECA.
• To explore the divergent temporal-spatial characteristics and brain regions involved in this relationship.
• To propose brain state dynamics as a unifying factor for inconsistent findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on self-processing and HECA.
• Analysis of temporal-spatial characteristics and involved brain regions.
• Theoretical integration of brain state dynamics into the self-HECA interaction model.

Main Results:

• Significant heterogeneity exists in the temporal-spatial patterns and neural correlates of HECA in relation to self-processing.
• Brain state, defined as spontaneous, dynamic neural activity, is proposed to modulate the self-HECA interaction.
• Interactions between brain state dimensions, self-processing, and HECA suggest a mediating role for brain state.

Conclusions:

• Brain state dynamics offer a potential explanation for the inconsistent findings in HECA and self-processing research.
• Further research is needed to investigate the precise mechanisms by which brain state influences the self-heart interaction.
• Understanding this interaction is crucial for comprehending the neurophysiological underpinnings of self-awareness.