When Centrality Fails: Testing the Causal Validity of Network-Based Intervention Targeting in Psychopathology
Abstract
This simulation study tests whether network centrality metrics identify optimal intervention targets using Pearl's do-calculus to compute ground-truth causal effects. Results show weak centrality-causality correspondence (ρ = .15–.45), near-chance target identification accuracy (13–20%), and inability to discriminate deep from surface heterogeneity. Centrality does not reliably identify causal intervention targets.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mental Health Research Topics
Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
Complex Network Analysis Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Document type
- Preprint