Intentionality in frontal asymmetry research

The present article provides a theoretical viewpoint on several aspects in frontal asymmetry research. Based on a brief overview of evidence related to an approach-avoidance perspective and the relation to BIS-BAS models on frontal asymmetry I propose that intentionality is valuable to understanding frontal asymmetry. In particular, I argue that defining arguments and previous experimental research often focused on a phase of human action that may be denoted as a volitional phase, which is linked to intentions. Further, I argue that intentions are accompanied by an affective-motivational component that I denote as the strength of an intention. Finally, I suggest that the lack of this kind of intentional strength might be an interesting concept in trying to explain certain subtypes of depression.