Anterior EEG asymmetries and opponent process theory

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Affective Science

Background:

• The opponent process theory of emotion posits that emotional experiences are followed by an opposing emotional state.
• This theory suggests that affective contrast, or emotional after-reactions, occur during the recovery phase from emotional stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if affective contrast, as predicted by the opponent process theory, is reflected in asymmetrical frontal lobe activity patterns.
• To determine if this effect is more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing left frontal activity.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to examine frontal lobe asymmetries.
• Participants viewed blocks of neutral and aversive images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS).
• EEG data was analyzed during and after the presentation of aversive stimuli.

Main Results:

• Participants with baseline right frontal activity did not exhibit significant changes in EEG asymmetry.
• Individuals with baseline left frontal activity showed increased relative left frontal activity post-aversive stimulation.
• These findings suggest a link between baseline frontal asymmetry and the neural response to aversive stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetrical frontal lobe activity patterns may be associated with affect regulatory processes.
• Opponent after-reactions to aversive stimuli could be reflected in these neural asymmetries.
• The study provides evidence for the opponent process theory in the context of neurophysiological responses to emotional stimuli.