Empirical evidence for structural balance theory in functional brain networks.

ABSTRACT: Structural balance theory, widely used in social network research, has recently been applied to brain network studies to explore how higher-order interactions relate to neural function and dysfunction. The theory is founded on the core assumption that balanced triads, representing internally consistent relationships, are intrinsically stable, while imbalanced triads, which introduce structural tension, are unstable and tend to reconfigure toward balance. Despite its promising application, these foundational assumptions have not been empirically validated in the brain. Here, we address this gap using resting-state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project to analyze the temporal dynamics of triadic configurations. We defined two metrics: triad lifetime, the duration a triad persists, and

SUBMITTER: Saberi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855509 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature