What does the prefrontal cortex "do" in affect: perspectives on frontal EEG asymmetry research

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Affective Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetries have been studied for 25 years in relation to affect.
• This research has largely progressed independently of neuroscience research on the primate prefrontal cortex (PFC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the current state of EEG frontal asymmetry research concerning affect.
• To advocate for integrating EEG findings with PFC neuroscience for a deeper understanding of affective processing.
• To propose specific hypotheses regarding PFC sector functions in affect.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on EEG frontal asymmetries and affect.
• Integration of findings from neuroscience research on primate prefrontal cortex structure and function.
• Consideration of methodological issues in measuring functional prefrontal asymmetries using EEG.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in EEG frontal asymmetry research has occurred.
• A notable gap exists between this research and PFC neuroscience.
• Neuroscience data reveals PFC heterogeneity, suggesting distinct roles for different sectors in affective processing.

Conclusions:

• Integrating PFC neuroscience is crucial for advancing the study of frontal EEG asymmetries and affect.
• Understanding the heterogeneous functions of PFC sectors can yield more specific hypotheses about their roles in affect.
• Addressing methodological issues in EEG measures is important for future research.