Tripartite Neuropsychological Model of Emotion Regulation

The brain relies on a dynamic triadic network—the Default Mode Network (DMN), Central Executive Network (CEN), and Salience Network (SN)—to fluidly transition between introspection, threat detection, and emotional regulation (Sutton, 2026).

While the DMN governs resting-state reflection, heightened emotional demands or threat signals from the amygdala prompt the SN to shift neurological resources away from cortical processing and toward goal-directed control. Over time, sustained emotional states can reshape these connectivity patterns, either impairing regulatory flexibility through chronic stress or strengthening adaptive control through prolonged wellbeing.

This summary is taken from Flourishing in Six Dimensions (Sutton, 2026) and used by permission. Emotional functioning is one of the six dimensions in the SCOPES Model.

Three large-scale networks interact during both the experience and regulation of emotion (Azarias et al., 2025; Zhou & Becker, 2025). If you are unfamiliar with these networks, I suggest watching The Key Brain Networks.

Default Mode Network (DMN), 

Central Executive Network (CEN)

Salience Network (SN) 

[A stimulus (S+) activates the Salience Network (SN), which dynamically dampens activity in the Default Mode (DM) Network (DMN). Simultaneously, the SN engages the Cen-tral Executive (CE) Network (CEN) to focus on the task un-til completion, after which the brain returns to DMN domi-nance.]

The DMN is active when the mind is at rest and is central to self-reflection, emotional processing, social understanding, and mental simulation. During restful states, the DMN shows strong internal connectivity. However, when emotional or cognitive demands arise, the brain dynamically shifts toward activation of the CEN and SN.

The CEN supports effortful, goal-directed strategies such as reappraisal, working alongside the DMN to reinterpret emotional meaning. 

The SN functions as a neural “switch,” detecting emotionally relevant stimuli and determining whether to recruit the CEN for regulation or allow the DMN to continue its introspective processing (Azarias et al., 2025). This triadic coordination enables the brain to move fluidly between re-flection, detection, and control.

The amygdala is the alarm component of the SN, essential for detecting emotional stimuli and generating rapid emotional responses. Functional neuroimaging studies show that heightened amygdala activation is associated with decreased DMN activity (Azarias et al., 2025). When the amygdala signals threat or urgency, the DMN’s reflective processes—such as self-criticism, social reasoning, and daydreaming—quiet down, allowing attention and re-sources to shift toward immediate emotional processing. Thus, the brain’s resources (blood flow, electrical activity) are diverted from cortical areas (DMN) to subcortical areas (amygdala, motor cortex) to manage a perceived threat, like a car swerving toward you.

Over time, patterns of connectivity among the DMN, CEN, and SN adapt to sustained emotional states. Chronic anxiety and stress, for example, can bias the system toward heightened salience detection and reduced regulatory flexibility—the brain becomes “stuck” in a state of emotional reactivity. In contrast, prolonged wellbeing strengthens the networks that support reflection and adaptive control. These dynamic interactions are essential for cognitive and emotional flexibility, enabling individuals to maintain wellbeing and adjust to changing environmental demands.

Resources

Tripartite Networks. This short video overview includes brain locations, see The 3 Key Brain Networks (The Academy by Psych Scene, 2026) on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/CsS_SqHlLzw?si=xWkCGEM30r7Ehs4r

See Chapter 3: Emotional Processes in:

Sutton, G. W. (2026). Flourishing in six dimensions: The SCOPES framework. Sunflower.  ISBN 979-8199903981

References

Azarias, F. R., Almeida, G. H. D. R., de Melo, L. F., Rici, R. E. G., & Maria, D. A. (2025). The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health. Biology, 14(4), 395. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040395

Sutton, G. W. (2026). Flourishing in six dimensions: The SCOPES framework. Sunflower.  ISBN 979-8199903981

Zhou, F., & Becker, B. (2025). The default mode network and emotion: Dual roles of the medial prefrontal cor-tex in emotional experience and regulation. Science Direct, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101613