Affective responses to EEG preparation and their link to resting anterior EEG asymmetry

Previous research relating anterior asymmetry in the electroencephalogram ( EEG) to emotional states has not taken the affective context of the testing environment into account. This may be an important consideration, as the p reparation procedures themselves are somewhat aversive. The purpose of this study was to assess whether self-reported mood state before and/or after E EG cap preparation was associated with EEG asymmetry. Mood state was assess ed with the self-assessment manikin before and after the application of the electrode cap. Men and women showed a shift toward a more negative mood st ate post-preparation. Negative mood post-preparation, but not pre-preparati on, predicted relative right frontal activation in men. In contrast, negati ve mood post-preparation, but not pre-preparation, predicted relative left frontal activation in women. Results are discussed as they relate to gender differences in interpersonal engagement. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.