Asymmetrical frontal ERPs, emotion, and behavioral approach/inhibition sensitivity

The present study sought to extend past research on frontal brain asymmetry and individual differences by examining relationships of individual differences in behavioral inhibition/approach system (BIS/BAS) sensitivity with asymmetrical frontal event-related brain responses to startle probes presented during viewing of affective pictures. One hundred and ten participants were shown unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant affective pictures, and presented startle probes during picture presentations. Individual differences in BIS sensitivity related to relatively greater right frontal N100 amplitude to startle probes presented during pleasant and unpleasant pictures, whereas individual differences in BAS sensitivity related to reduced left frontal P300 amplitude to startle probes presented during pleasant pictures. The results of this study suggest that BIS sensitivity is related to greater relative right frontal cortical activity during affective states, while BAS sensitivity is related to greater relative left frontal cortical activity during appetitive states.