A capability model of individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry

James A. Coan; John J.B. Allen; Patrick E. McKnight

doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.10.003

A capability model of individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry

James A. Coan, John J.B. Allen, Patrick E. McKnight

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

307 Scopus citations

Abstract

Researchers interested in measuring individual differences in affective style via asymmetries in frontal brain activity have depended almost exclusively upon the resting state for EEG recording. This reflects an implicit conceptualization of affective style as a response predisposition that is manifest in frontal EEG asymmetry, with the goal to describe individuals in terms of their general approach or withdrawal tendencies. Alternatively, the response capability conceptualization seeks to identify individual capabilities for approach versus withdrawal responses during emotionally salient events. The capability approach confers a variety of advantages to the study of affective style and personality, and suggests new possibilities for the approach/withdrawal motivational model of frontal EEG asymmetry and emotion. Logical as well as empirical arguments supportive of this conclusion are presented.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	198-207
Number of pages	10
Journal	Biological Psychology
Volume	72
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.10.003
State	Published - May 2006

Keywords

Emotion
Frontal EEG asymmetry
Personality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Neuroscience
Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

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10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.10.003

Cite this

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title = "A capability model of individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry",

abstract = "Researchers interested in measuring individual differences in affective style via asymmetries in frontal brain activity have depended almost exclusively upon the resting state for EEG recording. This reflects an implicit conceptualization of affective style as a response predisposition that is manifest in frontal EEG asymmetry, with the goal to describe individuals in terms of their general approach or withdrawal tendencies. Alternatively, the response capability conceptualization seeks to identify individual capabilities for approach versus withdrawal responses during emotionally salient events. The capability approach confers a variety of advantages to the study of affective style and personality, and suggests new possibilities for the approach/withdrawal motivational model of frontal EEG asymmetry and emotion. Logical as well as empirical arguments supportive of this conclusion are presented.",

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AU - McKnight, Patrick E.

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AB - Researchers interested in measuring individual differences in affective style via asymmetries in frontal brain activity have depended almost exclusively upon the resting state for EEG recording. This reflects an implicit conceptualization of affective style as a response predisposition that is manifest in frontal EEG asymmetry, with the goal to describe individuals in terms of their general approach or withdrawal tendencies. Alternatively, the response capability conceptualization seeks to identify individual capabilities for approach versus withdrawal responses during emotionally salient events. The capability approach confers a variety of advantages to the study of affective style and personality, and suggests new possibilities for the approach/withdrawal motivational model of frontal EEG asymmetry and emotion. Logical as well as empirical arguments supportive of this conclusion are presented.

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A capability model of individual differences in frontal EEG asymmetry

Abstract

Keywords

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