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Published on: November 16, 2017
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Steady-State Visually Evoked Fields (SSVEF) associated with affective emotions.
Summary
This study found that the amplitude of steady-state visually evoked fields (SSVEFs) in the occipital area was greater for negative images than positive images, suggesting SSVEFs can measure emotional responses to visual stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) is utilized for brain imaging studies on emotion.
- Investigating emotional processing requires systematic valence assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine steady-state visually evoked fields (SSVEFs) linked to processing positive and negative images.
- To determine if SSVEFs can serve as a measure of emotional valence.
Main Methods:
- 200 IAPS images (negative, positive, neutral) were presented to 10 healthy subjects.
- Images were presented for 2.0s with a 15 Hz flickering frame; MEG recordings were made.
- Two-dipole estimation analyzed the 15 Hz SSVEF component amplitude in the occipital area.
Main Results:
- The amplitude of SSVEF sources in the occipital area was significantly larger for negative images compared to positive images (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- SSVEF amplitude is modulated by the emotional valence of visual stimuli.
- SSVEFs show potential as a quantifiable measure for assessing subjects' emotional states.
