A neurocognitive account of attentional control theory: how does trait anxiety affect the brain’s attentional networks?

Eysenck, M. W., Moser, J. S., Derakshan, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7780-4435, Hepsomali, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5812-1081 and Allen, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8510-878X (2023) A neurocognitive account of attentional control theory: how does trait anxiety affect the brain’s attentional networks? Cognition & Emotion, 37 (2). pp. 220-237. ISSN 1464-0600 doi: 10.1080/02699931.2022.2159936

Abstract/Summary

Attentional control theory (ACT) was proposed to account for trait anxiety’s effects on cognitive performance. According to ACT, impaired processing efficiency in high anxiety is mediated through inefficient executive processes that are needed for effective attentional control. Here we review the central assumptions and predictions of ACT within the context of more recent empirical evidence from neuroimaging studies. We then attempt to provide an account of ACT within a framework of the relevant cognitive processes and their associated neural mechanisms and networks, particularly the fronto-parietal, cingular-opercula, and default mode networks. Future research directions, including whether a neuroscience-informed model of ACT can provide a platform for novel neurocognitive intervention for anxiety, are also discussed.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/113874
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/02699931.2022.2159936
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords	Trait anxiety, cingular-opercula network (CON), default mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), processing efficiency
Publisher	Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group
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