Frontal Asymmetry as a Neural Correlate of Motivational Conflict

Motivational systems of approach, avoidance, and inhibition are fundamental to human behavior. While past research has linked approach motivation with greater relative left frontal asymmetry, many attempts to link avoidance motivation with greater relative right frontal asymmetry have been mixed. These mixed effects could be due to coactivation of the avoidance and behavioral inhibition system (BIS). Much recent evidence indicates that the behavioral inhibition system may be associated with greater relative right frontal activation. The current review examines evidence linking traits associated with the behavioral inhibition system with resting right frontal asymmetry. Other research links individual differences associated with the behavioral inhibition system with state changes in relative right frontal asymmetry. Moreover, activation of the behavioral inhibition system, but not activation of withdrawal motivation, increases greater relative right frontal asymmetry. Together, this work highlights the role of relative frontal asymmetry as a neural correlate in motivational conflict and helps to disentangle behavioral inhibition from avoidance motivation.

Automated summary

Approach motivation is linked to greater left frontal asymmetry, while the relationship between avoidance motivation and greater right frontal asymmetry is mixed. Recent evidence suggests that the behavioral inhibition system may be associated with greater right frontal activation. This review examines the evidence linking traits associated with the behavioral inhibition system to resting right frontal asymmetry.