Default mode and frontal executive network interactions enable interoceptive attention & mindfulness
Abstract Interoceptive attention to internal sensory signals is fundamental to mindfulness. In an attention-to-breathing task in 161 adults, we found that consistency of interoceptive attention significantly correlated with performance efficiency across several exteroceptive cognitive domain tasks. EEG source mapping within subjects showed that on low-consistency or distracted trials there was greater recruitment of frontal executive control activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and suppression of the posterior default mode network (Precuneus), with increased functional connectivity between these regions. In contrast, high-consistency or attentive trials were associated with greater connectivity between Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and Insula, key nodes of the cognitive control network for attention monitoring. Notably, individual trait mindfulness was correlated with greater functional connectivity between DLPFC-Precuneus on distracted trials and greater ACC-Insula connectivity on attentive trials. These results showcase dynamic network interactions underlying objective markers of interoceptive attention and subjective rating mindfulness.