Evaluating brain spectral and connectivity differences between silent mind-wandering and trance states

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Trance states are altered consciousness involving cognitive changes, often linked to mental silence (reduced thought).
• Mind-wandering is characterized by attention deviation and inner speech, contrasting with mental silence.
• Previous research on mental silence and trance states provides a foundation for exploring their neural correlates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neural differences between trance and mind-wandering states using electroencephalography (EEG).
• To analyze EEG power spectra at electrode and source-reconstructed area levels.
• To evaluate functional connectivity between brain areas and its relation to subjective trance depth.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were used to analyze brain activity.
• Source reconstruction techniques were applied to EEG data for area-level analysis.
• Spectral analysis and functional connectivity measures were employed to compare brain states.

Main Results:

• Mind-wandering showed increased frontal delta/theta and centro-parietal gamma power.
• Trance exhibited increased frontal beta and gamma power.
• No significant differences in area-level power spectra or connectivity were found between states, but deeper trance correlated with reduced whole-brain connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Trance and mind-wandering exhibit distinct EEG power spectrum patterns.
• While area-level connectivity may not differ, subjective trance depth is linked to reduced large-scale neural network activity.
• Trance facilitates entry into mentally silent states for exploring neurophenomenological processes.