Internally directed cognition and mindfulness: an integrative perspective derived from predictive and reactive control systems theory

Abstract

In the present paper, we will apply the predictive and reactive control systems (PARCS) theory as a framework that integrates competing theories of neural substrates of awareness by describing the “default mode network” (DMN) and anterior insula (AI) as parts of two different behavioral and homeostatic control systems. The DMN, a network that becomes active at rest when there is no external stimulation or task to perform, has been implicated in self-reflective awareness and prospection. By contrast, the AI is associated with awareness and task-related attention. This has led to competing theories stressing the role of the DMN in self-awareness vs. the role of interoceptive and emotional information integration in the AI in awareness of the emotional moment. In PARCS, the respective functions of the DMN and AI in a specific control system explains their association with different qualities of awareness, and how mental states can shift from one state (e.g., prospective self-reflection) to the other (e.g., awareness of the emotional moment) depending on the relative dominance of control systems. These shifts between reactive and predictive control are part of processes that enable the intake of novel information, integration of this novel information within existing knowledge structures, and the creation of a continuous personal context in which novel information can be integrated and understood. As such, PARCS can explain key characteristics of mental states, such as their temporal and spatial focus (e.g., a focus on the here and now vs. the future; a first person vs. a third person perspective). PARCS further relates mental states to brain states and functions, such as activation of the DMN or hemispheric asymmetry in frontal cortical functions. Together, PARCS deepens the understanding of a broad range of mental states, including mindfulness, mind wandering, rumination, autobiographical memory, imagery, and the experience of self.

A Theory of Social Thermoregulation in Human Primates

“…The idea of the internal model originated with Craik (1943) and was later applied by Bowlby (1969), and the ability to apply the internal model to predict future events was noted by Craik (1943) to be an adaptive property of human thought. This idea of the internal model has recently been applied to so-called "situation models" (Zwaan and Radvansky, 1998), and its application in predictive control systems relies on brain networks like the default mode network (that includes the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus) and the dorsal executive network (that includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; see Tops et al, 2014b). of social cognition and behavior-like providing social support to another-have built up from more plesiomorphic social thermoregulatory functions (Mandler, 1992). That is, we think that social behavior is partially embedded within a thermoregulatory system that (a) includes both reactive and predictive cues (from adjusting to environmental temperatures to giving a sad friend a warm hug), and is (b) hierarchically organized in terms of bioenergetic cost (Satinoff, 1978(Satinoff, , 1982Proffitt, 2006;Beckes and Coan, 2011;Morrison and Nakamura, 2011).…”

Slow Life History Strategies and Slow Updating of Internal Models: The Examples of Conscientiousness and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“…The left IFG takes control when elaboration or scrutiny is needed to ensure consistency of new information with internal models, which may lead to ruminative processing. In this manner it can take new information and communicate with predictive systems to update internal predictive models promoting greater predictive control in the future (Tops, Boksem, et al, 2014). This function involves the verbalization and semantization functions in the left IFG and relates to the "left brain interpreter" that was proposed to explain findings in split-brain patients.…”

“…The left IFG takes control when elaboration or scrutiny is needed to ensure consistency of new information with internal models, which may lead to ruminative processing of moral and social rule concerns and feelings of guilt and shame (see Tops, Boksem, et al, 2014). Induction of embarrassment, indignation/anger, shame, and guilt activated left IFG (BA 47 or 45; Michl et al, 2014;Shin et al, 2000;Spence, Kaylor-Hughes, Farrow, & Wilkinson, 2008;Takahashi et al, 2004;Wagner, N'Diaye, Ethofer, & Vuilleumier, 2011;Zahn et al, 2009).…”

“…To facilitate the connecting of different level of explanation, in this commentary I present a neurobiological mechanism behind a fundamental dimension of individual differences that may relate to the fast-slow continuum. I do this in terms of the theory of Predictive And Reactive Control Systems (PARCS; Tops, Boksem, Quirin, IJzerman, & Koole, 2014). Specifically, I argue that psychopathology can arise at both ends of a continuum reflecting the degree to which novel and salient information is processed and forwarded through corticostriatal loops by a right hemisphere control system and the degree to which internal models are updated in light of novel evidence by left hemisphere control.…”

“…It is believed that this network of systems is largely an outgrowth of evolutionary pressures that emerged in highly predictable and stable environments Tops, Boksem, et al, 2014). PARCS suggests that the dorsal predictive system function is to run simulations to predict future events.…”