We assessed whether resting anterior asymmetry would discriminate indi
vidual differences in repressive-defensive coping styles. In 2 session
s, resting electroencephalogram was recorded from female adults during
8 60-s baselines. Subjects were classified as repressors or nonrepres
sors on the basis of scores on the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability
Scale (MC), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Dep
ression Inventory (BDI). In midfrontal and lateral frontal sites, repr
essors demonstrated relative left hemisphere activation when compared
with other groups. The MC, but not the STAI or the BDI, contributed un
ique variance to frontal asymmetry. Relative left frontal activation m
ay be linked to a self-enhancing regulatory style that promotes lowere
d risk for psychopathology.