Authors:

Vuillier, L., SHALEV, I., Moseley, R.L., Uzefovsky, F.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2026

CBU number:

9270

Abstract:

Background: Emotional dysregulation is a core feature of eating disorders, yet research has predominantly focused on intrapersonal emotion processes rather than interpersonal emotional mechanisms. Empathy comprises affective empathy (AE; feeling others’ emotions) and cognitive empathy (CE; understanding others’ emotions), with recent research suggesting that empathic disequilibrium – imbalances between AE and CE – may contribute to psychopathology. We hypothesized that empathic disequilibrium characterized by AE-dominance underlies emotional difficulties in eating disorders through heightened emotional reactivity. Methods: We conducted a two-phase investigation. Study 1 examined empathy and eating disorder symptoms in 345 undergraduate students using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Study 2 replicated findings in 835 participants (including 103 with eating disorder diagnoses) and tested emotional reactivity as a mediator using the Emotional Reactivity Scale (ERS). Results: Both studies demonstrated consistent associations between empathic disequilibrium characterized by AE-dominance and eating disorder pathology (Study 1) and diagnosis (Study 2), with CE being unrelated to eating disorder symptoms. Mediation analyses revealed that emotional reactivity fully mediated the relationship between empathic disequilibrium and eating disorder symptoms, with sensitivity analyses supporting pathway robustness. Conclusions: This study provides first comprehensive evidence that empathic disequilibrium, rather than specific empathic deficits, represents a potential risk factor for eating psychopathology. AE-dominance appears to create emotional hyper-arousal when encountering others’ emotions, which may be regulated using disordered eating behaviours. These findings challenge traditional empathy approaches in psychopathology and highlight the importance of interpersonal emotional processes in eating disorder conceptualization and treatment, opening new therapeutic avenues targeting both intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional functioning.

URL:

Authors:

Deng, F, HENSON, R.N., Muniz-Terrera, G., Malhotra, P., O’Brien, J.T., Ritchie, C.W., Lawlor, B. & Naci, L.

Reference:

Year of publication:

In Press

CBU number:

9269

Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology starts decades before clinical manifestations, but the early indicators of AD in midlife remain unclear. Functional segregation of brain networks is a key marker of brain health. It remains unknown, however, whether inherited risk of AD impacts network segregation from midlife in individuals who are cognitively healthy but carry inherited risk for late-life AD. To address this question, we investigate which brain networks show the strongest age-related segregation loss in the Cam-CAN lifespan cohort (18-88 years, N=652), and whether APOE ε4 genotype impacts segregation of age-vulnerable networks in the midlife PREVENT cohort (40-59 years, N=210), cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Higher-order networks showing the most significant age-related decline are the default mode (DMN), frontal-parietal control (FPN) and salience (SN) networks. Cognitively healthy midlife APOE ε4 carriers have higher segregation across the brain cross-sectionally, accompanied by greater longitudinal decline in the DMN over two years, relative to non-carriers. Higher DMN segregation is associated with better episodic and relational memory across the PREVENT cohort. These findings suggest that functional segregation may serve as a potential biomarker, providing insights into the mechanisms through which APOE influences brain function and cognition from healthy midlife, on average 23 years before dementia onset.

URL:

Data available, click to request

Authors:

NORRIS, D. & Kalm, K.

Reference:

Year of publication:

-

CBU number:

9268

Abstract:

Here we present a model of sequence learning and recall based on the idea that the function of memory is to maintain an up-to-date representation of the environment that can be used to guide future perception and action. The representation of the environment is considered to be a prior which is combined with information in short-term memory to construct a posterior representation. That posterior representation drives recall and, in turn, is used to update the priors. This prediction-update cycle is a form of Bayesian filter. We apply the model to data from the Hebb (1961) task in which participants learn sequences over repeated presentations in an immediate serial recall task. The model is shown to simulate a wide range of data on the Hebb effect including the ability to learn multiple lists at once, the effect of list spacing, the differential impact of variation in the beginning versus end of lists, learning from response errors, interference between similar lists, and the effects of repetition on forward and backward recall. The model’s ability to account for these phenomena follows directly from its basic computational principles.

Data for this project is available at: https://github.com/DennisNorris/Bayesian_filter_hebb

Authors:

FERGUSON, A. M., RICHARDS, M., GUNSCHERA, L.J., Mutak, A., Modecki, K., Goldberg, R., ORBEN, A.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2026

CBU number:

9267

Abstract:

Around the world, adolescents are more digitally connected than ever, and access to digital devices has become a lightning rod of conflict in many homes. To date, research on best practices in digital parenting has been hampered by the absence of a well validated measure that reflects the mutli-faceted realities of parenting in the contemporary digital age. Here, we developed a digital parenting scale (DPS) across three separate samples of parents (N = 1,050). The DPS was shown to be a reliable and valid measure of six distinct types of digital parenting strategies, aligning with six analytic factors: regulation (i.e., using rules and restriction to regulate adolescent technology use), boundary negotiation (i.e., balancing adolescent and parent needs and goals related to adolescent technology use), co-use (i.e., parents and adolescents using digital devices together), mediation (i.e., teaching and offering guidance related to safe use of technology), monitoring by proxy (i.e., using friends and family to monitor adolescent technology use), and technological monitoring (i.e., using technology to assist in monitoring adolescent technology use). We found broad associations between each of the six factors of the digital parenting scale and well-established measures of general parenting practices, suggesting that digital parenting is an extension of one’s general parenting strategies.

URL:

Authors:

RAYKOV, P., GURUNANDAN, S., GREVE, A., HENSON, R.

Reference:

Year of publication:

In Press

CBU number:

9266

Abstract:

Memory is often better for both highly unexpected and highly expected information. To explain this U-shape relationship between memory and expectancy, the SLIMM framework appeals to two memory systems: one involving the hippocampus and another involving the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Specifically, SLIMM predicts that these two brain regions support opposite ends of the U-shape, with the hippocampus supporting memory for unexpected events, and MPFC underpinning memory for expected events. We tested these predictions in two fMRI paradigms: one examined memory for the location of objects within scenes (e.g., a toothbrush in a bathroom, either on a sink, as expected, or on top of a bin, as not expected); the second tested memory for words that completed well-known idioms either in an expected or unexpected fashion (e.g., “Don’t count your chickens before they… hatch/cook”). Both paradigms replicated the predicted U-shaped relationship between expectancy and memory performance. However, neither study found the predicted interaction between expectancy and subsequent memory (remembered vs forgotten trials) in terms of fMRI activation at encoding in the a priori defined hippocampal and MPFC regions-of-interest. We discuss the implications of these findings for SLIMM, and how our results fit within the broader literature on expectancy and memory.

URL:

Authors:

WILLIAMS, R., Lansdall, c.j., Coyle-Gilchrist, I., Murley, A.G., ROUSE, M.A., Bateman, A., ROWE, J.B.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2026

CBU number:

9265

Abstract:

State of the Art: Apathy and impulsivity are common in syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). They are associated with high carer distress and poor patient outcomes. There are limited treatment options and progress has been hindered by a lack of appropriate outcome measures. This study aimed to develop a carer-rated questionnaire oriented to people with syndromes associated with FTLD. Methodology: Principal component and Rasch analysis were conducted on carer-, clinician- and patient-reported questionnaires and performance-based tests of behavioural change in the “Pick’s Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Prevalence and Incidence” (PiPPIN) study. We identified two key components which informed subsequent item development for a novel scale which we call the Cambridge Questionnaire for Apathy and Impulsivity Traits (CamQUAIT). The resulting scale comprised two subscales assessing “motivation and support” (CamQUAIT-M) and “impulsivity and challenging behaviours” (CamQUAIT-C). An independent sample of 132 carers for people with FTLD-associated syndromes completed the CamQUAIT, along with a battery of existing measures. The CamQUAIT was reduced to 15 items following Rasch analysis. Results: Both subscales showed good construct validity as assessed by high Person separation index (CamQUAIT-M=0.9; CamQUAIT-C=0.7) and Cronbach’s alpha (CamQUAIT-M=0.9; CamQUAIT-C=0.8). The subscales correlated moderately with each other (r=0.376, p<0.001), and with existing measures of behavioural change. Conclusion: The CamQUAIT is a targeted measurement tool to assess apathy, impulsivity, and related behavioural change in the context of FTLD-related syndromes. The scale demonstrates good measurement properties and is sensitive to group differences, providing a suitable outcome measure to evaluate novel symptomatic treatments. For questions relating to data storage, please contact the programme leader for this project, Professor James Rowe (james.rowe@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk).

URL:

Authors:

KARBAT, G., CRESPO-GARCIA, M., Vishe, G., ANDERSON, M.C., & Laundau, A.N.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2026

CBU number:

9264

Abstract:

Understanding the organizing principles of brain activity can advance neurotechnology and medical diagnosis. Traditionally, neural activity is viewed as consisting oscillations in distinct frequency bands. However, emerging evidence suggests these oscillations often manifest as transient bursts rather than sustained rhythms. We examine the hypothesis that rhythmicity (sustained vs bursty) adds a further dimension to brain organization. Using a rhythmicity measure, we segment neurophysiological spectra from 859 participants across datasets, species, recording techniques, ages 18–88, sexes, brain regions, and cognitive states in health and disease. Our results reveal a universal rhythmicity-resolved spectral architecture with two categories: high-rhythmicity bands exhibiting sustained oscillations and new low-rhythmicity bands dominated by brief bursts. This architecture reflects two modes of operation: sustained bands suitable for maintaining ongoing activity, and transient bands which can signal responses to change. The rhythmicity-resolved architecture provides a unifying framework that bridges human and non-human findings, enables individualized spectral definitions, and offers a principled basis for understanding brain activity.

URL:

Data for this project is available at: https://github.com/laaanchic/LAVI 11

Authors:

HUYS, Q.J.M., ORBEN, A.

Reference:

Year of publication:

In Press

CBU number:

9263

Authors:

Pickavance, J., O'Nions, E., Hammad, M., Jackson, L., Lightfoot, K., McEachan, ORBEN, A., Ryan. D., Shire, K., Wood, M.L., Wright, J. Lewer, D.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2026

CBU number:

9262

Abstract:

Background Social media is a central part of the lives of adolescents in 2025. The recent rise of short-form content and gamification features has coincided with an increasing prevalence of mental health problems among this age group. Many policy makers are considering restrictions to the amount of time under-16s spend on social media. Despite this, there is limited contemporary evidence about the extent of their social media use, nor meaningful estimates of the effect a reduction may have on their mental health. Here, we estimate daily social media usage for adolescents in the culturally and ethnically diverse city of Bradford, England, plus its association with their mental health. Method We did a cross-sectional analysis of data from Born in Bradford: Age of Wonder 2023-24, a school-based survey of students aged 12–15 (n = 8,466). We weighted the sample to be representative of the city-wide population of 12–15-year-olds and report the median daily screen time spent on social media apps by age, sex, and ethnicity. We used a log-linear model to estimate the effect of daily social media screen time on anxiety and depression symptoms (RCADS-25), adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, free school meal eligibility, special educational needs, deprivation, and season of survey completion. Predictions from this model were used to estimate the change in prevalence of clinical threshold symptomatology associated with a range of daily screen time limits. Results The median time spent using social media apps was 3.36 h per day (IQR 1.88–5.44). Longer durations of social media use were associated with greater mental health symptoms after adjustment for potential confounders. In a scenario where this association is causal, capping social media use at a maximum of 3 h per day would lead to a 1.25ppt (95% CI 0.74ppt – 1.76ppt) decrease in the prevalence of clinical threshold symptomatology (a reduction from 10.7% to 9.5%), equivalent to 13 fewer cases in a typical school of 1000 pupils. Conclusions All groups of adolescents spend a large of amount of time using social media apps each day. We observed a significant association between social media use and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Assuming a causal relationship, daily time limits placed on social media may yield meaningful reductions in anxiety and depression symptomatology. Nevertheless, we cannot demonstrate strong evidence of a causal relationship, and robust methods such as controlled trials or natural experiments are needed to precisely determine the benefits and harms of policies restricting access for under-16s. Key practitioner message What is known? Meta-analytic evidence links more time spent on social media usage to poorer mental health, but there is limited contemporary data, existing studies underrepresent less advantaged adolescents, and effect sizes are poorly contextualised. What is new? Data from >8,000 adolescents aged 12-15 in a diverse urban setting in England indicate a median usage of 3.36 hours per day (IQR 1.88-5.44) on a normal school week. Although some subgroups report lower use of social media, all subgroups have a median use of 2.61 hours or more. Capping the daily limit to 3-hours would reduce usage for more than half of 12-15-year-olds and was equivalent to a 1.25 percentage point reduction in the absolute prevalence of clinical threshold anxiety and depression symptomatology. What is significant for clinical practice? Daily usage limits could be associated with meaningful reductions in anxiety and depression for young people. Nevertheless, estimation of causal effects of social media use on mental health is difficult for methodological reasons. Experimental trials are required to determine the benefits and harms of policies restricting social media access for under-16s.

URL:

Data for this project is available at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZP3GN

Authors:

Mione, V., Kristensen, F.H., ASSEM, M., Schuffelgen, U., Kyllingsbæk, S., Buckley, M., MITCHELL, D.J., DUNCAN, J.

Reference:

Year of publication:

In Press

CBU number:

9261

Abstract:

A much-replicated finding in human brain imaging is a distributed “multiple-demand” or MD system, increasing in activity for many kinds of cognitive demand, and centrally involved in cognitive control. MD regions are proposed to encode a distributed mental model of critical task events, bound together in the roles and relationships needed to direct action selection. Though previous data hint at a corresponding network in the macaque, there has been no direct comparison to human data. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure whole brain activation in a multi-step saccadic maze task, compared to a control requiring similar moves but without goal-based decisions. Human data were a close match to the canonical MD network, extended to include adjacent regions and in particular much of the canonical dorsal attention network. Monkey data suggested correspondences in dorsomedial frontal, lateral and medial parietal, insula/orbitofrontal and posterior temporal cortex. In lateral frontal cortex there was just a single, largely dorsal activation patch, in contrast to multiple distinct human patches. In macaque as in human, together with previous data, our findings suggest an extended and strongly interconnected brain network recruited by increased cognitive challenge.