Abnormal resting-state brain networks and their relationship with cognitive reappraisal preferences in depressive tendencies

Objective: Currently, the neural mechanisms underlying the topological changes in the brains of individuals with depressive tendencies and the decline in their emotion regulation abilities remain largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigates resting-state brain network characteristics in college students with depressive tendencies (DT) and their preference to cognitive reappraisal strategies. Method: A group of 38 DT students and 41 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed using questionnaires on cognitive reappraisal sub-strategies, followed by alpha and beta frequency band EEG feature extraction. Results: Through complex network analysis, DT participants showed significantly reduced preferences for positive reappraisal and detached reappraisal compared to HCs, while exhibiting higher preferences for involved reappraisal and negative reappraisal. Additionally, abnormalities in brain network centrality were observed, particularly in the frontal and limbic lobes across various frequency bands. A significant correlation was found between the preference for cognitive reappraisal sub-strategies in DT participants and significant changes in graph indices. Conclusions: The findings highlight substantial alterations in the resting-state brain networks of DT individuals, closely associated with cognitive reappraisal strategy preferences. These alterations may affect emotion regulation strategy choices, offering insights into the neural mechanisms of emotional regulation difficulties in DT.