# Between- and Within-Person Heterogeneity in Adolescent Resting State Networks: Associations with Internalizing Psychopathology

> **NIH NIH F31** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2024 · $38,948

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a key risk period for depression and anxiety, and adolescent-onset psychopathology is
predictive of poorer health and life outcomes. Functional connectivity (FC) networks, which reflect trait-like
brain functioning, have emerged as a promising biomarker to inform diagnosis and intervention of
psychopathology. However, despite findings of FC differences between clinical and control groups, particularly
in resting state (RS) networks, there has been minimal clinical translation. A key limitation is that qualitative
network heterogeneity between- and within-individuals threatens the ability to draw inferences valid at the
individual level. At the between-person level, qualitatively distinct networks across individuals limit the ability of
group-averaged networks to validly reflect each individual. If group-level networks do not reflect individuals,
behavioral inferences drawn from them will not apply to the individual. Our preliminary work and previous
precision imaging studies provide evidence of this limitation by demonstrating FC network heterogeneity
across individuals. However, the generalizability of group networks to individuals is yet to be tested empirically.
This proposal will assess group-to-individual generalizability of adolescent RS networks and examine the
ability of data-driven subgroups of similar individuals to address the limitation of heterogeneity (Aim 1). At the
within-person level, FC variability across a single scan also threatens the validity of FC networks. If FC means
and covariances vary with time across a scan (i.e., are not stationary), a static (time-invariant) network would
not validly reflect network processes across the scan. This proposal will estimate dynamic FC to assess
stationarity of adolescent RS networks to determine the validity of static networks (Aim 2). For both aims, this
proposal will use a large 11–12-year-old sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. The
proposal will determine the levels of data aggregation (group, subgroup, or individual) and time precision (static
or dynamic) necessary for individual-level inferences from FC networks. Findings will be critical for the ultimate
goal of using FC networks for clinical translation, which requires individual-level prediction. We will then use
RS network features that are precise to individuals to predict depression and anxiety outcomes in adolescents
(Aim 3), building a foundation with increased potential for clinical translation. The training plan to achieve the
proposed project was developed in collaboration with a team of relevant experts that consists of formal
coursework, workshops, and applied research activities. Specifically, I will develop expertise in fMRI research
and analysis methods, machine learning approaches for subgroup identification, and idiographic (person-
centered) methods necessary to complete the research proposal. Training will emphasize development toward
my goal of b...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10896957
- **Project number:** 5F31MH134533-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew Mattoni
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $38,948
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10896957

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10896957, Between- and Within-Person Heterogeneity in Adolescent Resting State Networks: Associations with Internalizing Psychopathology (5F31MH134533-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10896957. Licensed CC0.

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