Cited by 1,426Hemispheric Asymmetry in NeuroscienceNeural and Behavioral Psychology StudiesAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Frontal EEG asymmetry as a moderator and mediator of emotion

Coan, James A, Allen, John J.B·2004·Biological Psychology

Abstract

Frontal EEG asymmetry appears to serve as (1) an individual difference variable related to emotional responding and emotional disorders, and (2) a state-dependent concomitant of emotional responding. Such findings, highlighted in this review, suggest that frontal EEG asymmetry may serve as both a moderator and a mediator of emotion- and motivation-related constructs. Unequivocal evidence supporting frontal EEG asymmetry as a moderator and/or mediator of emotion is lacking, as insufficient attention has been given to analyzing the frontal EEG asymmetries in terms of moderators and mediators. The present report reviews the frontal EEG asymmetry literature from the framework of moderators and mediators, and overviews data analytic strategies that would support claims of moderation and mediation.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.03.002

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8 of 8 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Trait EI is specifically related to the level of asymmetry in the resting activation of frontal cortical areas, with higher trait EI individuals showing greater resting left frontal activation.

    “They are specifically related to the level of asymmetry in the resting activation of frontal cortical areas of the brain, with higher trait EI individuals showing greater resting left frontal activation, which accords well with broader findings on frontal EEG asymmetry and emotion (Coan & Allen, 2004).”

    From Developments in Trait Emotional Intelligence Research (2016) · cites this paper as Coan & Allen, 2004

  • Frontal EEG asymmetry is one of the neural indicators of emotion regulation motivations.

    “Frontal EEG asymmetry is one of the neural indicators of emotion regulation motivations (Coan & Allen, 2004;Davidson & Irwin, 1999;Harmon-Jones, 2003;Reznik & Allen, 2018).”
  • The right frontal region is closely linked to withdrawal motivation, inhibition, and negative emotions (e.g., fear, anxiety, and disgust).

    “In contrast, the right frontal region was closely linked to withdrawal motivation, inhibition, and negative emotions (e.g., fear, anxiety, and disgust) (Coan & Allen, 2004;Davidson & Irwin, 1999;Reznik & Allen, 2018).”

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Authors
Coan, J. A., & Allen, J. J. B.
Affiliations
University of Arizona (US)
Corresponding author
Coan, James A
Venue
Biological Psychology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2004-10
Volume
67
Issue
1-2
Pages
7-50
ISSN
0301-0511 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2025751302
Cited by
1,426
References
8
Citations by year
2026: 74 · 2025: 73 · 2024: 59 · 2023: 71 · 2022: 82 · 2021: 80 · 2020: 120 · 2019: 88 · 2018: 82 · 2017: 70 · 2016: 79 · 2015: 86 · 2014: 79 · 2013: 53 · 2012: 71
FWCI
1.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Biological Psychology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Hemispheric Asymmetry in Neuroscience
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
frontal EEG asymmetry, emotions, moderators, mediators, individual differences, emotional responses, emotional disorders, motivation, mediation analysis, moderation analysis
MeSH terms
Electroencephalography, Emotions, Frontal Lobe, Humans

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