Affective responses to EEG preparation and their link to resting anterior EEG asymmetry

Previous research relating anterior asymmetry in the electroencephalogram (EEG) to emotional states has not taken the affective context of the testing environment into account. This may be an important consideration, as the preparation procedures themselves are somewhat aversive. The purpose of this study was to assess whether self-reported mood state before and/or after EEG cap preparation was associated with EEG asymmetry. Mood state was assessed with the self-assessment manikin before and after the application of the electrode cap. Men and women showed a shift toward a more negative mood state post-preparation. Negative mood post-preparation, but not pre-preparation, predicted relative right frontal activation in men. In contrast, negative mood post-preparation, but not pre-preparation, predicted relative left frontal activation in women. Results are discussed as they relate to gender differences in interpersonal engagement.