Intrinsic neural architecture of implicit self-evaluation bivalence: Evidence from resting-state ALFF and dynamic...

Implicit self-esteem is typically viewed as a unidimensional aspect of self-concept. However, emerging evidence suggests that individuals can simultaneously hold strong positive and negative implicit self-evaluations-termed implicit self-evaluation bivalence. This resting-state fMRI study examined the intrinsic neural architecture of implicit self-evaluation bivalence using a multilevel framework that integrates regional activity and connectivity. In 101 healthy adults, higher bivalence was associated with reduced amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the right angular gyrus, left precuneus, right precentral gyrus, and left supplementary motor area. Bivalence also corresponded to stronger static functional connectivity between the angular gyrus and right middle orbitofrontal cortex, increased mean dynamic connectivity between the angular gyrus and posterior default-mode and somatosensory regions, and reduced temporal variability of connectivity between the precuneus and supplementary motor area. Together, these findings suggest that implicit self-evaluation bivalence is associated with an intrinsic neural architecture characterized by altered static and dynamic coupling among self-referential and motor systems, extending unidimensional models of implicit self-esteem toward a more network-based understanding of the implicit self.