Activating attachment memories affects default mode network in a non-clinical sample with perceived dysfunctional parenting: An EEG functional connectivity study

Abstract

Dysfunctional parenting constitutes a factor of psychopathological vulnerability affecting development both at neurobiological and psychological level. The default mode network (DMN), a large scale network for brain functional integration, is supposed to play a crucial role in those psychological functions altered by dysfunctional parenting. Here we investigate electroencephalography DMN functional connectivity in relation to perceived dysfunctional parenting (PDP) in a non-clinical sample. We hypothesized that participants with high PDP would exhibit decreased DMN connectivity after the activation of attachment memories. Our results support this hypothesis: participants with high PDP showed a decrease of theta connectivity between left temporoparietal junction and right anterior cingulate cortex after the activation of attachment memories, and, compared to participants with low PDP, showed a decrease of delta connectivity in the same brain areas. We interpret these decreased DMN connectivity in participants with high PDP as the "neurophysiological signature" of the impaired ability to mentalize their own relational experiences with significant others after the activation of early attachment memories. Thus, the activation of attachment memories in individuals exposed to dysfunctional parenting could lead to a transitory failure of functional brain connectivity and consequent disturbance of high integrative mental functions, such as emotional regulation and mentalization.

Keywords: Attachment; Default mode network; Dysfunctional parenting; Electroencephalography; Functional connectivity; Mentalization.