Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate positive affect. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gable, Philip A; Paul, Katharina; Pourtois, Gilles; Burgdorf, Jeffrey
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in behavioral sciences. Volume 39(2021)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.03.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1546

Abstract

Highlights: Relative frontal alpha asymmetry measures positive affect and approach motivation. Beta activity over the motor cortex indexes approach-motivated motor-preparation. Reward Positivity, Delta and Theta band frequencies relate to reward processing and learning. Abstract : Electroencephalography (EEG) is a widespread neurophysiological measure used to study cognition, emotion and their interaction. There is a strong history and a growing body of EEG research investigating positive affect (PA). In the current article, we focus on EEG components which are increasingly informing the science of PA. We review EEG frequency evidence from alpha-band (recorded over lateral prefrontal leads) and beta-band (over the motor and pre-motor cortex) as measures of approach motivation in PA. We also review evidence of the event-related potential called the Reward Positivity, and the frequency components underlying it in the context of reward processing and learning. These EEG measures have been highly informative of PA, however, they are but a few of the potential EEG measures informing the study of PA.