Differential lateralization for positive and negative emotion in the human brain: EEG spectral analysis

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309 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present experiment utilized EEG spectral analysis to investigate lateralization for emotional processes in the human brain. In frontal zones, a differential lateralization for positive and negative emotion was observed, with relative left-hemispheric activation (as measured by decreases in alpha abundance) for positive emotions and relative right-hemispheric activation for negative emotions. In parietal zones, a differential lateralization for verbal and spatial processes was observed, with relative left-hemispheric activation for verbal questions and relative right-hemispheric activation for spatial questions. Examination of EEG bands other than alpha (i.e. delta, theta, beta, and total power) suggested that emotional and cognitive processes are further distinguished by different EEG spectral patterns.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)745-755
Number of pages11
JournalNeuropsychologia
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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