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Hilary A Marusak

3 papers in the library · 14 citations · publishing 2024-2025

Papers

Dynamic Functional Connectivity Correlates of Trait Mindfulness in Early Adolescence.

Biological psychiatry global open science November 1, 2024 Isaac N Treves, Hilary A Marusak, Alexandra Decker et al. 7 citations

A significant finding reveals that adolescents with higher trait mindfulness experience lower anxiety and depression symptoms. An analysis of 106 adolescents, ages 12 to 15, identified a reliable brain state characterized by hyperconnectivity, showing an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.65. This state, marked by elevated positive connectivity between networks, was positively correlated with self-reported trait mindfulness. While most dynamic brain states were unreliable across scans, this hyperconnected state may reflect enhanced awareness and arousal in those exhibiting higher mindfulness traits.

Mindful young brains and minds: a systematic review of the neural correlates of mindfulness-based interventions in youth.

Brain imaging and behavior April 1, 2025 Jovan Jande, Isaac N Treves, Samantha L Ely et al. 4 citations

A systematic narrative review of neuroimaging studies on mindfulness-based interventions in youth (ages 5–18) found that such interventions may alter brain connectivity and activity. Analyzing 13 studies with 467 participants, most used a pre-post design with resting-state fMRI. Consistent patterns included increased functional connectivity within and between the salience, frontoparietal, and default mode networks, enhancements in white matter microstructure, and decreased default mode network activation with heightened salience network reactivity during mindfulness practice. These changes may support self-regulation and cognitive control, but methodological variability and small sample sizes limit generalizability.

Dynamic functional connectivity correlates of trait mindfulness in early adolescence.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology July 4, 2024 Isaac N Treves, Hilary A Marusak, Alexandra Decker et al. 3 citations preprint

A highly reliable brain state linked to trait mindfulness was identified in adolescents, highlighting its potential role in mental health. In a study of 106 participants aged 12 to 15, one hyperconnected state showed good reliability (ICC=0.65) and correlated positively with self-reported trait mindfulness. Adolescents exhibiting higher trait mindfulness experienced lower anxiety and depression symptoms. While most dynamic brain states were unreliable across scans, this particular state suggests that increased mindfulness may enhance awareness and arousal, offering insights into adolescent mental well-being.