Neural Correlates of Wellbeing in Young Adults

Subjective experiences of wellbeing are multi-faceted in nature but the behavioral and neural correlates of subdomains of wellbeing are not yet well understood. Prior neuroimaging studies have primarily focused on single aspects of wellbeing (e.g., happiness). In the present study we differentiated between five domains of wellbeing based on prior research (Green, van de Groep, et al., 2023): 1) dealing with stress; 2) positive family relationships; 3) self-confidence; 4) having impact, purpose, and meaning; and 5) feeling loved, appreciated, and respected. Young adults (age range = 20 – 25 years; n=34) completed a self-evaluation fMRI-task addressing applicability of the items to the self on a scale from 1-4, followed by whether this item addressed a desire for change on a scale from 1-4. Behavioural ratings showed that young adults were least positive about dealing with stress and reported the highest degree of preferred change for this domain. In contrast, higher rating for self-confidence, having impact, and feeling loved were associated with fewer depressive and burnout symptoms. Higher desire for future changes in the same three domains was associated with more depressive and burnout symptoms. Neural results showed increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for items addressing ‘dealing with stress’ and the precuneus for items addressing ‘positive family relations’, relative to the other domains which did not result in distinct neural patterns. Together, these findings highlight the importance of assessing various components of wellbeing which show distinct behavioural and neural patterns.