Penalized canonical correlation analysis reveals a relationship between temperament traits and brain oscillations during mind wandering

Abstract

IntroductionThere has been a growing interest in studying brain activity under naturalistic conditions. However, the relationship between individual differences in ongoing brain activity and psychological characteristics is not well understood. We investigated this connection, focusing on the association between oscillatory activity in the brain and individually characteristic dispositional traits. Given the variability of unconstrained resting states among individuals, we devised a paradigm that could harmonize the state of mind across all participants.MethodsWe constructed task contrasts that included focused attention (FA), self‐centered future planning, and rumination on anxious thoughts triggered by visual imagery. Magnetoencephalography was recorded from 28 participants under these 3 conditions for a duration of 16 min. The oscillatory power in the alpha and beta bands was converted into spatial contrast maps, representing the difference in brain oscillation power between the two conditions. We performed permutation cluster tests on these spatial contrast maps. Additionally, we applied penalized canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to study the relationship between brain oscillation patterns and behavioral traits.ResultsThe data revealed that the FA condition, as compared to the other conditions, was associated with higher alpha and beta power in the temporal areas of the left hemisphere and lower alpha and beta power in the parietal areas of the right hemisphere. Interestingly, the penalized CCA indicated that behavioral inhibition was positively correlated, whereas anxiety was negatively correlated, with a pattern of high oscillatory power in the bilateral precuneus and low power in the bilateral temporal regions. This unique association was found in the anxious‐thoughts condition when contrasted with the focused‐attention condition.ConclusionOur findings suggest individual temperament traits significantly affect brain engagement in naturalistic conditions. This research underscores the importance of considering individual traits in neuroscience and offers an effective method for analyzing brain activity and psychological differences.

Heart-brain coupling and its relevance for individual trait characteristics

“…Our study aligns with earlier evidence on the relevance of temporoparietal oscillatory brain activity for individual trait characteristics (Coan and Allen, 2003; Heinilä et al, 2024; Kennis et al, 2013; Knyazev et al, 2002; Smith et al, 2017; Sutton and Davidson, 1997). However, there are also conflicting findings (Coan and Allen, 2003; Schneider et al, 2016) and the inconsistencies in the literature may be attributed to the high variability in the experimental settings or methods used.…”

“…Furthermore, indicated by the present and earlier findings by our research group (Heinilä et al, 2024), it may be that a well-defined contrast between conditions or tasks more readily induces brain activity that is relevant for individual trait characteristics.…”

“…We also evidenced that derived measures provide a feasible metric to approach the relevance of heart-brain coupling for individual trait characteristics. Furthermore, indicated by the present and earlier findings by our research group (Heinilä et al, 2024), it may be that a well-defined contrast between conditions or tasks more readily induces brain activity that is relevant for individual trait characteristics.…”