Resting‐state effective connectivity is systematically linked to reappraisal success of high‐ and low‐intensity negative emotions

Abstract

Emotion regulation is a process by which individuals modulate their emotional responses to cope with different environmental demands, for example, by reappraising the emotional situation. Here, we tested whether effective connectivity of a reappraisal‐related neural network at rest is predictive of successfully regulating high‐ and low‐intensity negative emotions in an emotion‐regulation task. Task‐based and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data of 28 participants were collected using ultra‐high magnetic field strength at 7 Tesla during three scanning sessions. We used spectral dynamic causal modeling (spDCM) on the rs‐fMRI data within brain regions modulated by emotion intensity. We found common connectivity patterns for both high‐ and low‐intensity stimuli. Distinctive effective connectivity patterns in relation to low‐intensity stimuli were found from frontal regions connecting to temporal regions. Reappraisal success for high‐intensity stimuli was predicted by additional connections within the vlPFC and from temporal to frontal regions. Connectivity patterns at rest predicting reappraisal success were generally more pronounced for low‐intensity stimuli, suggesting a greater role of stereotyped patterns, potentially reflecting preparedness, when reappraisal was relatively easy to implement. The opposite was true for high‐intensity stimuli, which might require a more flexible recruitment of resources beyond what is reflected in resting state connectivity patterns. Resting‐state effective connectivity emerged as a robust predictor for successful reappraisal, revealing both shared and distinct network dynamics for high‐ and low‐intensity stimuli. These patterns signify specific preparatory states associated with heightened vigilance, attention, self‐awareness, and goal‐directed cognitive processing, particularly during reappraisal for mitigating the emotional impact of external stimuli. Our findings hold potential implications for understanding psychopathological alterations in brain connectivity related to affective disorders.