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

Michael W. Eysencka School of Psychology, Roehampton University, London, UK;b Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK

Jason S. Moserc Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA

Nazanin Derakshand School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK

Piril Hepsomalia School of Psychology, Roehampton University, London, UK

Paul Allena School of Psychology, Roehampton University, London, UK;e Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King’s College, London, UKCorrespondence[email protected]

ABSTRACT

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.

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

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

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