Functional Connectivity in the Brain that Mediates the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Spontaneous Mind Wandering

Prior studies have suggested a significant association between mindfulness and spontaneous mind wandering. This investigation explored the functional connectivity associated with the relationship between mindfulness and spontaneous mind wandering from the perspective of individual differences.

Ninety-four university students (74 females; mean age = 20.60 ± 2.30 years) completed the deliberate mind wandering (MW-D) and spontaneous mind wandering (MW-S) scales, along with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Additionally, we collected their resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data.

In line with prior research, our results indicated a significant correlation between mindfulness and spontaneous mind wandering, while no significant correlation was observed between mindfulness and deliberate mind wandering. The connectivity between the left insula and right secondary somatosensory cortex (SII) was identified as mediating the link between trait mindfulness and spontaneous mind wandering.

These findings suggest that individuals with elevated trait mindfulness might regulate the occurrence of mind wandering through the insula-SII connectivity, potentially leading to a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous mind wandering. Explanations for the mediation results are provided.

This study is not preregistered.