Dynamics of Internal Attention and Internally-Directed Cognition: The Attention-to-Thoughts (A2T) Model

Abstract

The propensity to focus inward – internal attention – is fundamental to human mental life and internally-directed cognition (IDC) such as mindwandering and (mal)adaptive self-reflection. Yet, our understanding of the mechanisms through which internal attention shapes IDC is limited. We argue that our capacity to predict and model (mal)adaptive IDC may be significantly facilitated through understanding the complexity and dynamics of how internal attention interacts with other cognitive processes from which higher-level IDC emerges. We therefore introduce the Attention-to-Thoughts (A2T) model – a dynamic systems theory and computational model of internal attention in IDC. Through the model we aim to, first, conceptually and computationally define momentary states of this dynamic system; and, second, to simulate and predict differential temporal trajectories of this dynamic system through which IDC emerge. Through a series of experimental simulations, we explore how A2T may be used to better understand how internal attention selection is expressed from moment-to-moment; how the dynamic system of internal attention unfolds by documenting how, as a function of contextual demands for focused attention, internal attentional selection iteratively transacts with working-memory and emotion; and, in turn, how higher-level maladaptive IDC (e.g., repetitive negative thinking, cognitive dyscontrol) emerges from temporal trajectories of the dynamic system of internal attention. Finally, we highlight key conceptual, computational and methodological directions for the study of internal attention, IDC and related phenomena (e.g., mindfulness).

Simulating thoughts to measure and study internal attention in mental health

“…These serial mediation effects provide novel and rigorous support for major theories implicating emotional reactivity to negative experiences and states, attentional processing and control, and cognitive vulnerability to depression and anxiety 18,26,27,67 . Broadly, common to these theories is the idea that maladaptive thinking processes (e.g., repetitive negative thinking, brooding) are maintained and exacerbated by a self-sustaining cycle of negative emotion(s) that triggers internal content (e.g., negative self-referential thoughts) which potentiate further negative emotions and so forth 80 . In turn, rumination (brooding or similar processes) exacerbate increase probability of initial symptoms turn into episodes of major depression or anxiety (see 66 ).…”

Awareness of implicit attitudes: Large-scale investigations of mechanism and scope

“…Attention, traditionally conceptualized as a process that selects among perceptual information competing for processing (Posner, 1995), has been proposed to operate internally as well (Chun et al, 2011). In other words, there are attentional processes that select among internal, cognitive representations such as mental images, task sets, and memories (Amir & Bernstein, 2021;De Brigard, 2012;Lückmann et al, 2014). In external perception, attending to a stimulus is often required to become aware of it (Dehaene et al, 2006).…”

Awareness of implicit attitudes: Large-scale investigations of mechanism and scope.

“…Attention, traditionally conceptualized as a process that selects among perceptual information competing for processing (Posner, 1995), has been proposed to operate internally as well (Chun et al, 2011). In other words, there are attentional processes that select among internal representations such as mental images, task sets, and memories (Amir & Bernstein, 2021;De Brigard, 2012;Lückmann et al, 2014). In external perception, attending to a stimulus is often required to become aware of it (Dehaene et al, 2006).…”