Frontal EEG asymmetry as a moderator and mediator of emotion
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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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).”
From Frontal Electroencephalography Asymmetry and Desynchronized Functional Connectivity Associated with Long-Term and Short-Term Breathing Training (2026) · cites this paper as Coan & Allen, 2004
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).”
From Frontal Electroencephalography Asymmetry and Desynchronized Functional Connectivity Associated with Long-Term and Short-Term Breathing Training (2026) · cites this paper as Coan & Allen, 2004
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“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).”
- 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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