title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mattie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tops
authors.affiliation: Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Maarten A S
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Boksem
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, University of Osnabrück Osnabrück, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quirin
authors.affiliation: Tilburg School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Tilburg University Tilburg, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: IJzerman
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sander L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Koole
keywords: default mode network; imagery; insula; mindfulness; observer perspective; prospection; rumination; self-reflection