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Updated: May 12, 2025

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Habenula contributions to negative self-cognitions
Po-Han Kung1,2, Matthew D Greaves1,3, Eva Guerrero-Hreins4,5
1Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Cognitive restructuring of negative self-thoughts involves the habenula, a brain region typically associated with punishment. This study reveals its role in processing internal experiences and personal identity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Self-related cognitions are crucial for identity and well-being.
- Negative self-cognitions can lead to mental health issues.
- Cognitive restructuring is a protective mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural network underlying negative self-cognitions.
- To characterize the role of the habenula in processing self-related thoughts.
- To examine how cognitive restructuring affects brain connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultra-high field 7T fMRI and dynamic causal modeling.
- Analyzed data from two independent cohorts of healthy young adults.
- Employed a cognitive restructuring task involving repeating and restructuring negative self-cognitions.
Main Results:
- Identified a negative self-cognition network centered on the habenula.
- Observed an excitatory effect from the habenula to the posterior orbitofrontal cortex during cognitive restructuring.
- Found an excitatory effect of the habenula on the posterior cingulate cortex during both repeating and restructuring tasks.
Conclusions:
- The habenula contributes to the processing of self-cognitions.
- Habenula's function extends beyond external reward/punishment to internal experiences.
- Findings offer insights into the neural basis of mental health and identity.
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