Resting and task-elicited prefrontal EEG alpha asymmetry in depression: Support for the capability model

The capability model of frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry suggests that brain activity during emotional challenge will be a more powerful indicator of predispositions toward psychopathology than activity observed at rest. EEG data were assessed during a resting baseline and a facial em...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychophysiology 2014-05, Vol.51 (5), p.446-455
Main Authors: Stewart, Jennifer L., Coan, James A., Towers, David N., Allen, John J. B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Alpha asymmetry
Alpha Rhythm
Asymmetry
Capability model
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major - physiopathology
Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology
Electroencephalography
Emotion
Female
Functional Laterality
Humans
Male
Models, Psychological
Motivation
Physiological psychology
Prefrontal Cortex - physiopathology
Psychopathology
Rest
Young Adult
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Summary:The capability model of frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry suggests that brain activity during emotional challenge will be a more powerful indicator of predispositions toward psychopathology than activity observed at rest. EEG data were assessed during a resting baseline and a facial emotion task, wherein individuals with (n = 143) and without (n = 163) lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) made approach (angry and happy) and withdrawal (afraid and sad) facial expressions. EEG asymmetry during emotional challenge was a more powerful indicator of MDD status than resting asymmetry for average, Cz, and linked mastoid references, results in support of the capability model. However, current‐source‐density (CSD) transformed asymmetry was indicative of lifetime MDD status under resting and task‐elicited conditions. Findings suggest that CSD‐transformed data may be more robust indicators of trait frontal EEG asymmetry.
ISSN:0048-5772
1540-5958
1469-8986
DOI:10.1111/psyp.12191