Is the relationship between frontal EEG alpha asymmetry and depression mediated by implicit or explicit self-esteem?
A robust physiological finding is a higher relative left sided activity in the prefrontal cortex during the experience of positive approach related emotions and a higher relative right sided activity during the experience of negative withdrawal related emotions. Since self-esteem can be conceptualized within a framework of approach/withdrawal tendencies, the present study aimed at investigating if the relation between frontal EEG alpha asymmetry and depressive symptoms is mediated by implicit or explicit self-esteem. Self-esteem was measured by questionnaires (explicit) and in an indirect way (implicit). The mediation analyses showed that only explicit self-esteem acted as a partial mediator in the path from EEG alpha asymmetry to depression.
De Raedt
Rudi
R
Department of Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. Rudi.DeRaedt@UGhent.be
Franck
Erik
E
Fannes
Katrien
K
Verstraeten
Edwin
E
D000328:Adult; D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires