Does emotional valence affect cognitive performance and neurophysiological response during decision making? A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Understanding how emotional valence of external situations (EVES) affects cognitive functions is crucial.
• Electrophysiological (EEG) responses provide insights into neural mechanisms underlying stress and decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of EVES on cognitive performance and EEG responses during decision-making.
• To assess how stress regulation and resilience are influenced by emotional valence.

Main Methods:

• 26 healthy adults participated in a modified Trier social stress test with escalating EVES.
• Behavioral data (preparation times) and EEG data (frequency bands) were collected.
• Cognitive performance was assessed using an arithmetic task post-speech preparation.

Main Results:

• EVES significantly influenced stress regulation and resilience (behavioral data).
• Increased parietal lobe (P4) theta and delta band activity correlated with rising emotional valence.
• Decreased gamma band activity in P4 indicated a shift towards emotional processing, impacting cognitive resources.

Conclusions:

• Emotional valence modulates cognitive performance and neural mechanisms of stress response.
• Findings highlight the cognitive cost of managing stress under emotionally charged conditions.
• The study offers insights into stress regulation, resilience, and performance enhancement under pressure.