Neural underpinnings of a two-phase memory suppression process in the neural response to self-related and observed perspective views

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100509
• Publication Date: 2024-10-10T19:36:08Z
• Authors: Xinwei Song; Qi Liu; Xiaodong Zhang; Can Liu; Chunmei Lan; Xiaolu Zhang; Ting Xu; Ran Zhang; Keith M. Kendrick; Benjamin Becker; Weihua Zhao

Individuals often actively suppress intrusive memories to alleviate the distress they cause and maintain mental well-being. However, those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit difficulties particularly in inhibiting or suppressing negative compared individuals without PTSD. These can involve a physical threat either individual themselves others. Unfortunately, there is still limited understanding of cognitive neural mechanisms that underlie how suppression differs for self-related versus other-related memories. Here we capitalized on multivariate pattern analyses combination fMRI data acquired during two-phase memory paradigm where participants volitionally suppressed subsequently recognized stimuli. The results suggested recognition process following demands more engagement stimuli than stimuli, manifesting increased activity dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Furthermore, after suppression, observed stronger functional coupling between dACC identified both middle frontal gyrus insula recognition. An advanced analysis substantiated limbic system empathy network contributed accurately distinguishing suppression. Our findings demonstrated distinct representations related self others, suggesting different strategies may be employed originating from sources.