Mind-Wandering, Awareness and Task-Performance: an fMRI study

Mind-wandering is a vibrant and multifaceted cognitive process, but the neural underpinnings of its various components are poorly understood. In this study fMRI was used to examine 15 subjects given random thought probes about the extent and awareness of their mind-wandering during a sustained-attention paradigm. A richer neural activation was observed for mind-wandering without awareness than with awareness, suggesting the presence of a richer cognitive content. Different levels of behavioural accuracy and types of intrusive thoughts were associated with distinct neural signature. This study thus provides a neuroimaging foundation for examining the role of awareness and task performance in mind-wandering.