-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Jicheng Huang, Liang Chen, Hengyue Zhao, Ting Xu, Zixiao Xiong, Chenxu Yang, Tingyong Feng, Pan Feng, The functional connectivity between the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex underlies the association between future self-continuity and self-control, Cerebral Cortex, Volume 35, Issue 4, April 2025, bhaf092, https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhaf092
Close - Share Icon Share
Abstract
Future self-continuity refers to the perceived degree of similarity between one’s present self and future self. Self-control refers to the ability to regulate and control inappropriate behaviors, enabling individuals to suppress immediate reactions that are inconsistent with long-term goals. Previous studies demonstrated a positive correlation between future self-continuity and self-control, yet the neural mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. To address this question, we integrated behavioral assessments with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and mediation modeling to investigate this relationship. Behavioral results confirmed a positive correlation between the two variables. Furthermore, neuroimaging results revealed that right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (R-rACC) to right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (R-dlPFC) functional connectivity correlated with future self-continuity and mediated its relationship with self-control. These findings suggest that the functional connectivity between the R-rACC and the R-dlPFC may constitute the neural basis of the relationship between future self-continuity and self-control while offering a mechanistic framework to advance understanding of their interrelationship.
