Functional Connectivity in a Triple-Network Saliency Model is Associated with Real-Life Self-Control

Background: Despite its significance for addictive disorders, the neurocognitive mechanism of real-life self-control remains unclear. While recent studies focused on task-related brain activation patterns as predictors of self-control, the contribution and relevance of functional connectivity between large-scale brain networks mediating higher-order cognition is largely unknown.

Methodology: Using a saliency-based triple-network model of cognitive control, we tested the hypothesis that cross-network interactions among the salience network (SN), the central executive network (CEN), and the default mode network (DMN) are associated with real-life self-control. To this end, a large community sample (N=294) underwent ecological momentary assessment of daily self-control as well as task-free fMRI to examine intrinsic inter-network organization and determine a SN-centered network interaction index (NII).

Results: Logistic multilevel regression analysis showed that higher NII scores were associated with reduced real-life self-control failures (β = -.0.29, p=.006, CI 95% [-0.50, -0.08]).

Conclusions: This suggests that the assumed role of the SN in initiating switching between the DMN and CEN is an important part of self-control. Results contribute to the development of clinical interventions, e.g. strengthening the SN via mindfulness-based interventions may reduce self-control failures in everyday life and in addictive disorders.