Abstract
Background
Rumination, thought to be induced by stressful events, is a pivotal factor contributing to cognitive vulnerabilities in stress-related disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between the prefrontal cortex and stress. However, the functional connectivity in the prefrontal of high ruminators during stress is not fully understood.
Methods
28 high trait rumination group (HTR) and 22 low trait rumination group (LTR) were recruited. Each participant underwent both the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and control task in a long-arm crossover design, while collecting functional near-infrared spectroscopy data. We analyzed the static and dynamic FC (DFC) under two different conditions and then compared the difference between the HTR and the LTR.
Results
Stress induction procedure was highly successful in both HTR and LTR. Analysis on static FC (SFC) showed that LTR exhibited a marked increase in SFC during the TSST, while HTR showed a comparatively lesser increase. Further analysis on DFC, the prefrontal-based DFCs were higher in LTR during TSST compared with control condition, but these patterns were not in HTR. But higher variability of DFC between left IFG and left MFG related to higher state rumination.
Conclusion
Current study may shed light on the aberrant prefrontal functional connectivity pattern underlying rumination and its association with stress. Further research in this area may elucidate the specific cognitive control mechanisms that are impaired in high ruminators and their impact on emotional regulation and psychological well-being.