Causal evidence for the role of prefrontal theta oscillations in emotion regulation using neurofeedback training

Prefrontal theta oscillations play a critical role in cognitive control processes that facilitate emotion regulation. However, causal evidence linking their modulation to improved emotion regulation outcomes remains limited.

Using a double-blind, randomized controlled design, this study demonstrates that EEG neurofeedback (NF) targeting prefrontal theta oscillations significantly enhances emotion regulation abilities. Participants in the experimental group exhibited specific upregulation of prefrontal theta power during NF training, leading to reduced negative emotional ratings and diminished late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes. Mediation analysis further revealed that NF-induced enhancements in prefrontal theta power partially mediated the relationship between training efficiency and emotion regulation benefits.

These findings underscore the theoretical significance of prefrontal theta oscillations as a core mechanism of cognitive control in emotional contexts. This study advances our understanding of the neural underpinnings of emotion regulation and highlights theta-NF as a promising, non-invasive intervention for enhancing emotional resilience.