Self-referential encoding in the developing brain.

ABSTRACT: Episodic memory is closely linked to the self and information related to the self tends to be better remembered. In adults, the brain's default mode network (DMN) supports self-referential thought and memory, with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) being important for both functions. How the DMN supports self-referential encoding in children, and where in the mPFC the processes of self-referencing and episodic memory interact, is unknown. We investigated the neural development of self-referential encoding in 83 participants ages 7-25. While undergoing MRI, participants viewed objects and answered self-referential or semantic questions. Self-referential compared to semantic encoding resulted in better recollection across all ages. Self-referential encoding was associated with greater activ

SUBMITTER: Sweatman H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12205316 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature