Related Experiment Videos
Cerebral laterality in affect and affective illness: a review
M K Mandal1, H S Asthana, R Pandey
1Department of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
The Journal of Psychology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
The relationship between affect processing and affective illness is complex, challenging the simple idea that the right hemisphere solely controls emotions. Research suggests a more intricate interplay between brain hemispheres in emotional regulation and mood disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The traditional view posits affect processing as a right hemisphere function.
- Right hemisphere dysfunction is often linked to depressive illness.
- These established notions face ongoing debate and scrutiny.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the established claims regarding hemispheric roles in affect processing.
- To explore the complex relationship between affect processing and affective illness.
- To review behavioral and electrophysiological evidence concerning hemispheric involvement.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of behavioral studies on affect processing.
- Analysis of electrophysiological studies investigating hemispheric roles.
- Discussion of potential confounding factors in research.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests the role of affect processing is not exclusively lateralized to the right hemisphere.
- The relationship between affective illness and hemispheric function is more intricate than previously assumed.
- Both intra- and interhemispheric interactions are crucial.
Conclusions:
- The straightforward dichotomy of right hemisphere dominance in affect processing is challenged.
- A nuanced understanding of hemispheric interactions is necessary for comprehending affective disorders.
- Future research should account for complex hemispheric dynamics and confounding variables.