scholarly journals Dimensions of Experience: Exploring the Heterogeneity of the Wandering Mind

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao-Ting Wang ◽  
Giulia Poerio ◽  
Charlotte Murphy ◽  
Danilo Bzdok ◽  
Elizabeth Jefferies ◽  
...  

The tendency for the mind to wander to concerns other than the task at hand is a fundamental feature of human cognition, yet the consequences of variations in its experiential content for psychological functioning are not well understood. Here, we adopted multivariate pattern analysis to simultaneously decompose experience-sampling data and neural functional-connectivity data, which revealed dimensions that simultaneously describe individual variation in self-reported experience and default-mode-network connectivity. We identified dimensions corresponding to traits of positive-habitual thoughts and spontaneous task-unrelated thoughts. These dimensions were uniquely related to aspects of cognition, such as executive control and the ability to generate information in a creative fashion, and independently distinguished well-being measures. These data provide the most convincing evidence to date for an ontological view of the mind-wandering state as encompassing a broad range of different experiences and show that this heterogeneity underlies mind wandering’s complex relationship to psychological functioning.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Pistono ◽  
M. Senoussi ◽  
L. Guerrier ◽  
M. Rafiq ◽  
M. Gimeno ◽  
...  

AbstractLanguage production deficits occur early in the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, only few studies have focused on language functional networks in prodromal AD. The current study aims to uncover the extent of language alteration at a prodromal stage, on a behavioral, structural and functional level, using univariate and multivariate analyses. Twenty-four AD participants and 24 matched healthy controls underwent a comprehensive language evaluation, a structural T1-3D MRI and resting-state fMRI. We performed seed-based analyses, using the left inferior frontal gyrus and left posterior temporal gyrus as seeds. Then, we analyzed connectivity between executive control networks and language network in each group. Finally, we used multivariate pattern analyses to test whether the two groups could be distinguished based on the pattern of atrophy within the language network; atrophy within the executive control networks, as well as the pattern of functional connectivity within the language network; and functional connectivity within executive control networks. AD participants had language impairment during standardized language tasks and connected-speech production. Univariate analyses were not able to discriminate participants at this stage, while multivariate pattern analyses could significantly predict the group membership of prodromal patients and healthy controls, both when classifying atrophy patterns or connectivity patterns of the language network. Language functional networks could discriminate AD participants better than executive control networks. Most notably, they revealed an increased connectivity at a prodromal stage. Multivariate analyses represent a useful tool for investigating the functional and structural (re-)organization of the neural bases of language.HighlightsLanguage network connectivity discriminates prodromal AD from healthy controlsLanguage network connectivity increases in prodromal ADAtrophy patterns in the language network do not correlate with connectivity patterns in AD


Author(s):  
Gazali Gazali ◽  
Nafri Andy

Nagari Tandikat is one of the Nagari in Padang Pariaman Regency that suffered severe impacts due to the earthquake of 30 September 2009. In the face of the earthquake, stoic attitude must be owned by earthquake victims as this will form a positive psychological condition (positive psychological functioning), which brings to the realization of psychological well being in a person especially religious values adopted because religion is able to create its own color in regulating the pattern of human attitudes. More specifically, religion also wrestles with various problems of human life both socially and psychologically, the belief in god is able to give calm, not infrequently the religion is also used as a solution to the problems of the mind and not visible, related to pleasure, to suffering. By using the CBR approach, this research will conduct research-based devotion in the strengthening of religious values for the September 30th Quake Victims in Nagari Tandikat Padang Pariaman. From the research results revealed there are several strengthening programs that have been and are being done as a strengthening of religious values for the earthquake victims such as wirid yasinan, tablig akbar, annual commemoration and religious strengthening program. Nagari Tandikat merupakan salah satu Nagari di Kabupaten Padang Pariaman yang mengalami dampak cukup parah akibat gempa bumi 30 September 2009. Dalam menghadapi gempa, sikap tabah harus dimiliki oleh korban gempa karena hal ini akan membentuk kondisi psikologis yang positif (positive psychological functioning), yang membawa kepada terwujudnya kesejahteraan psikologis (psychological well being) dalam diri seseorang terutama nilai-nilai agama yang dianut karena agama mampu menciptakan warna tersendiri dalam mengatur pola sikap manusia. Lebih spesifik, agama juga bergelut dengan beragam persoalan hidup manusia baik secara sosial maupun psikis, keyakinan terhadap tuhan mampu memberi ketenangan, tidak jarang agama juga dijadikan sebagai solusi atas permasalahan-permasalahan batin dan tidak terlihat, terkait kesenangan, hingga penderitaan. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan CBR, penelitian ini akan melakukan penelitian berbasis pengabdian dalam penguatan nilai-nilai agama bagi Korban Gempa 30 September di Nagari Tandikat Padang Pariaman. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut diungkap ada beberapa program penguatan yang telah dan tengah dilakukan sebagai penguatan nilai-nilai keagamaan bagi masyarakat korban gempa yaitu wirid yasinan, tablig akbar, peringatan tahunan dan program penguatan keagamaan.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Alessandri ◽  
Gian Vittorio Caprara ◽  
John Tisak

Literature documents that the judgments people hold about themselves, their life, and their future are important ingredients of their psychological functioning and well-being, and are commonly related to each other. In this paper, results from a large cross-sectional sample (N = 1,331, 48% males) are presented attesting to the hypothesis that evaluations about oneself, one’s life, and one’s future rest on a common mode of viewing experiences named “Positive Orientation.” These results corroborate the utility of the new construct as a critical component of individuals’ well functioning.


2005 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-427
Author(s):  
Csaba Pléh

Ádám György: A rejtozködo elme. Egy fiziológus széljegyzetei Carpendale, J. I. M. és Müller, U. (eds): Social interaction and the development of knowledge Cloninger, R. C.: Feeling good. The science of well being Dunbar, Robin, Barrett, Louise, Lycett, John: Evolutionary psychology Dunbar, Robin: The human story. A new history of makind's evolution Geary, D. C.: The origin of mind. Evolution of brain, cognition and general intelligence Gedeon Péter, Pál Eszter, Sárkány Mihály, Somlai Péter: Az evolúció elméletei és metaforái a társadalomtudományokban Harré, Rom: Cognitive science: A philosophical introduction Horváth György: Pedagógiai pszichológia Marcus, G.: The birth of the mind. How a tiny number of genes creates the complexities of human thought Solso, R. D.: The psychology of art and the evolution of the conscious brain Wray, A. (ed.): The transition to language


2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (8) ◽  
pp. 294-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
György Miklós Buzás

After a short overview of the history of probiotics, the author presents the development of human intestinal microflora based on the newest genetic data and the microbiological features of main probiotics. The indications of probiotic administration have been defined and extended in recent years. The author reviews significant results of probiotic treatment in some gastrointestinal diseases based on meta-analytical data. Probiotics are useful in preventing and treating diarrhoea caused by antibiotics and Clostridium difficile caused diarrhoea. In the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, preparations containing certain Lactobacillus,Bifidobacterium strains or Saccaromyces boulardii could enhance by 5–10% the rate of successful eradication and reduce the incidence and severity of the side effects. Some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and thus the quality of life can be improved by probiotics. Their beneficial effect in ulcerative colitis was proven, while in Crohn’s disease has not yet been defined. The use of probiotics is not included in guidelines, with the exception of the Maastricht IV/Florence consensus. For each disease it is advisable to use probiotics containing strains only with proven beneficial effect. The efficiency of preparations containing mixed strains has not yet been properly investigated. The author reviews the rare but potentially serious side effects of probiotics. In Hungary, there are many probiotic preparations available which can be purchased in pharmacies without prescription: their use is more empirical than evidence-based. The European Food Safety Authority has recently rejected claims for probiotics to be classed as medicines given the lack of convincing evidence on the effects of probiotics on human health and well-being. Clearly, further research is needed to collect evidence which could be incorporated into the international guidelines. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 294–304.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Fox ◽  
Regina Lapate ◽  
Alexander J. Shackman ◽  
Richard J Davidson

Emotion is a core feature of the human condition, with profound consequences for health, wealth, and wellbeing. Over the past quarter-century, improved methods for manipulating and measuring different features of emotion have yielded steady advances in our scientific understanding emotional states, traits, and disorders. Yet, it is clear that most of the work remains undone. Here, we highlight key challenges facing the field of affective sciences. Addressing these challenges will provide critical opportunities not just for understanding the mind, but also for increasing the impact of the affective sciences on public health and well-being.


Author(s):  
Rakshith K. R. ◽  
Shivakumar . ◽  
Kaushal Sinha ◽  
Vijeth Kumar L. A.

Yoga is an ancient practice with Eastern roots that involves both physical postures (Asanas) and breathing techniques (Pranayamas). Yoga therapy for male sexual problems can effectively be treated through Yoga therapy, particularly with the help of Yoga poses and breathing exercises, Yoga has proven itself highly very effective in the treatment of a number of incurable and sometimes terminable diseases. Then again, Yoga's therapeutic effects are just a spin-off and supplementary. Yoga which has proved to be very effective in the treatment of many impossible and incurable diseases, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is only a by product and incidental. Problems related to sex can very well be handled with Yoga as most often these problems are more related to the mind than body. Either they are caused by lack of confidence or stress or fatigue or fear and very few times some physical cause is there. There is also a cognitive component focusing on meditation and concentration, which aids in achieving the goal of union between the self and the spiritual. Although numerous empirical studies have found a beneficial effect of Yoga on different aspects of physical and psychological functioning, claims of Yoga's beneficial effects on sexuality derive from a rich but no empirical literature. The goal of this article is to review the philosophy and forms of Yoga, to review the no empirical and (limited) empirical literatures linking Yoga with enhanced sexuality, and to propose some future research avenues focusing on Yoga as a treatment for sexual disorder.


Author(s):  
Jonathan Webber

This chapter argues that existentialism is not fundamentally antagonistic to Freudian psychoanalysis, as is often claimed, but rather aims to provide better articulations and explanations of the phenomena that Freud identified than Freud himself achieved. It distinguishes two forms of existentialist psychoanalysis, grounded in the two distinct existentialist theories of human being and psychological functioning identified in previous chapters: a Beauvoirian form based on project sedimentation and a Sartrean form based on radical freedom. It argues that both forms make a more radical break with the Cartesian conceptualization of the mind than Freud achieved, but that the Sartrean form still retains a vestige of Cartesianism that the Beauvoirian form eliminates.


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