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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.11.12.766207

Complex Spatial and Temporal Organization of Functional Brain Networks

Sassenberg, T. A.·Wilson, S.·DeYoung, C. G.
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Abstract

Recent research exploring brain-behavior associations has relied on the language of complex systems to understand how stable behavioral individual differences emerge from brain function. At the same time, advances in neuroimaging have provided greater insight into both the topological and temporal properties of macroscale cortical networks. These new approaches offer a potential avenue for understanding how functional activity in the brain might behave in a manner that aligns with complex-systems interpretations of psychological traits. The present study used resting-state data from the Human Connectome project (N = 994) to explore associations between the spatial and temporal features of functional brain networks. Using an adaptive frequency approach to explore brain function at different timescales together with a family of methods from complex systems theory, we identified patterns of brain state organization reflecting a state-trait continuum, with more stable trait-like dynamics and greater functional coupling between networks in lower frequency oscillations. Additionally, we found evidence of greater coupling across timescales in brain networks associated with higher-order cognition. This research supports interpretations of brain organization as a spatiotemporal hierarchy and provides future avenues for exploring brain-behavior associations from a complex system perspective.

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Sassenberg, T. A., Wilson, S., DeYoung, C. G.. 2026-11-14. Complex Spatial and Temporal Organization of Functional Brain Networks. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.11.12.766207

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