Subregions in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrate threat and protective information to meta-represent safety.

ABSTRACT: Pivotal to self-preservation is the ability to identify when we are safe and when we are in danger. Previous studies have focused on safety estimations based on the features of external threats and do not consider how the brain integrates other key factors, including estimates about our ability to protect ourselves. Here, we examine the neural systems underlying the online dynamic encoding of safety. The current preregistered study used 2 novel tasks to test 4 facets of safety estimation: Safety Prediction, Meta-representation, Recognition, and Value Updating. We experimentally manipulated safety estimation changing both levels of external threats and self-protection. Data were collected in 2 independent samples (behavioral N = 100; MRI N = 30). We found consistent evidence of subjective c

SUBMITTER: Tashjian SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11730396 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature