Resting-State fingerprints of Acceptance and Reappraisal. The role of Sensorimotor, Executive and Affective networks

Acceptance and reappraisal are both considered adaptive emotion regulation strategies. While a few studies have explored the neural underpinnings of acceptance and reappraisal in task-based fMRI and sMRI, there is a gap in the literature regarding the resting state functional brain networks associated with the individual differences to apply these strategies. Importantly, the contribution of specific macro-networks has yet to be clarified, and whether they rely on similar or different mechanisms has not been addressed yet. To clarify these issues, we conducted a functional connectivity analysis using the resting-state data of 134 individuals. To assess acceptance and reappraisal abilities, we relied on the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). We used an unsupervised machine learning approach known as group-ICA to identify resting-state networks and conducted backward regression to predict acceptance, and reappraisal abilities. Results indicated that four networks predicted acceptance, and one network predicted reappraisal. Acceptance was predicted by the Executive, the Affective (including subcortical emotion related areas), and the Sensorimotor networks, whereas reappraisal was predicted by the Sensorimotor network. Of note, our findings suggest that there are both distinct and overlapping brain contributions to acceptance and reappraisal strategies, with the Sensorimotor network potentially serving as a core common mechanism underlying both strategies. These results not only align with but also expand upon previous findings, showing complex interplay of cognitive, affective, and sensorial abilities in emotion regulation abilities.