Resting state functional connectivity underlining the association between working memory capacity and self-future mind wandering

Abstract

Previous research has reported inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and tendencies for future-oriented mind wandering. To address this, the present study incorporated self-relevant elements into probes to further specify self-relevant, future-oriented (self-future) mind wandering, aiming to clarify its relationship with WMC and explore the functional connectivity mediating this association. Ninety-four participants completed the sustained attention to response task (SART) with thought probes, the operation span (OSPAN) task, and the reading span (RSPAN) task. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were also collected. The findings demonstrated a significant positive association between WMC and self-future mind wandering. Additionally, functional connectivity between the left lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the left lateral premotor cortex (LPMC) was positively associated with both WMC and self-future mind wandering. Further analyses revealed that LPFC–LPMC connectivity statistically mediated the relationship between WMC and self-future mind wandering. Conversely, self-future mind wandering also mediated the association between WMC and LPFC–LPMC connectivity. These findings are consistent with the context regulation hypothesis and provide insight into the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, LPFC-LPMC connectivity may link to the integration of motor sequence predictions and anticipated speech and nonverbal communication, whereas the reverse mediation suggests that self-future mind wandering may contribute to shaping neural connectivity associated with executive control.