Activation of the Default Network During a Theory of Mind Task Predicts Individual Differences in Agreeableness and Social Cognitive Ability

Abstract

<p>Background: Social cognitive processes such as emotion perception and empathy allow humans to navigate complex social landscapes and are associated with specific neural systems. In particular, theory of mind (ToM), which refers to our ability to decipher the mental states of others, is related to the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction, which include portions of the default network. Both social cognition and the default network have been linked to the personality trait Agreeableness. We hypothesized that default network activity during a ToM task would positively predict social cognitive abilities and Agreeableness.Method: In a 3T fMRI scanner, participants (N = 1050) completed a ToM task in which they observed triangles displaying random or social (i.e., human-like) movement. Participants also completed self-report measures of Agreeableness and tests of intelligence and social cognitive ability. Average blood oxygen level dependent responses were calculated for default network regions associated with social cognition, and structural equation modeling was used to test associations of personality and task performance with activation in those brain regions. Results: Default network activation in the dorsal medial subsystem was greater for social vs. random animations. Default network activation in response to social animations predicted better performance across social cognitive tasks and higher levels of Agreeableness.Conclusions: Strength of neural response to social stimuli in the default network, and particularly its dorsal medial subsystem, may facilitate effective social processing and have downstream effects on social interactions. We discuss theoretical and methodological implications of this work for social and personality neuroscience.</p>

Constructs Across a Hierarchical, Dimensional Model of Psychopathology Show Differential Associations with Social and General Cognitive Ability

“…Though various psychopathology dimensions and related diagnoses have been studied in relation to social cognitive deficits specifically, general cognitive ability (GCA) may also play a role in the relation between psychopathology and social cognition. There is a fairly strong positive correlation between performance on tests of GCA and measures of social cognition or similar constructs such as emotional intelligence (Allen et al, 2017;Harms & Credé, 2010;Landy, 2005;Udochi et al, 2022). Moreover, many of the same psychopathology dimensions and diagnoses that have been linked to social cognitive deficits-particularly psychosis and associated dimensional constructs-have also been linked to broader cognitive deficits Blain, Longenecker, et al, 2020;Khandaker et al, 2011;Zammit et al, 2004).…”