본 연구는 부정적 정서조절에서 전두피질 비대칭성의 연관성을 알아보기 위해서 수행되었다. 중전두피질 영역의 EEG 활동에 대한 기저선 측정을 바탕으로 좌측 전두피질 활성집단과 우측 전두피질 활성집단으로 구분되었다. 실험과제로는 이완과제, 걱정과제, 예기과제, 연설과제 그리고 회복과제가 사용되었으며, 각 과제에서 불안감의 주관적 보고와 더불어 중전두피질 활동의 비대칭성, 심전도(ECG), 피부전도반응(SCR)이 측정되었다. 그 결과 좌측 활성집단은 우측 활성집단에 비해 낮은 불안감, 낮은 심박률(HR)과 높은 호흡공동부정맥(RSA)을 나타내었다. 우측 활성집단은 좌측 활성집단에 비해 불안에 따른 HR과 RSA의 감소로부터 회복되는 데 지연을 보였다. 좌측 전두피질의 활성은 기저선에 비해 이완단계에서 증가하였다. 기저선과 이완단계에 비해 걱정과 예기단계에서 HR의 증가, RSA의 감소, SCR의 증가가 관찰되었다. 이 결과는 중전두피질의 활성이 부정적 정서조절의 예언요인임을 시사해 준다. 본 연구의 함의와 제한점이 논의되었다.
This research examined the role of midfrontal EEG asymmetry in the regulation of negative emotions. Frontal brain asymmetry(FBA), heart rate(HR), respiratory sinus asymmetry(RSA), and skin conductance level(SCL) were recorded during baseline, relaxation, worry induction, anticipation of impromptu speech task and recovery. The relative left activation group showed lower distress rating than the right activation group at the end of the anticipation period and after the speech task. Participants with relatively higher left activation showed lower HR, and higher RSA than those with relatively higher right activation group during worry and anticipation task. The relatively higher right activation delayed recovery from higher HR and lower RSA due to speech task. Compared with baseline, relaxation increased left midfrontal cortex activity, but both worrying and anticipation decreased left midfrontal EEG activity. Worrying and anticipation was associated with greater HR, lower RSA and greater SCR compared with both baseline and relaxation. These findings support the role of FBA in the negative emotion regulation. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
This research examined the role of midfrontal EEG asymmetry in the regulation of negative emotions. Frontal brain asymmetry(FBA), heart rate(HR), respiratory sinus asymmetry(RSA), and skin conductance level(SCL) were recorded during baseline, relaxation, worry induction, anticipation of impromptu speech task and recovery. The relative left activation group showed lower distress rating than the right activation group at the end of the anticipation period and after the speech task. Participants with relatively higher left activation showed lower HR, and higher RSA than those with relatively higher right activation group during worry and anticipation task. The relatively higher right activation delayed recovery from higher HR and lower RSA due to speech task. Compared with baseline, relaxation increased left midfrontal cortex activity, but both worrying and anticipation decreased left midfrontal EEG activity. Worrying and anticipation was associated with greater HR, lower RSA and greater SCR compared with both baseline and relaxation. These findings support the role of FBA in the negative emotion regulation. Implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
