Models of brain asymmetry in emotional processing

Abstract

Two models of brain asymmetry in emotional processing were reviewed: the right hemisphere and the valence hypotheses. The first states a dominant role for the right hemisphere in emotional processing, whereas the second assumes that the left hemisphere is dominant for positive emotions and the right hemisphere for negative ones. Different methods, such as the divided visual field technique, have supported both hypotheses. The amygdala and the prefrontal cortex are presented as important structures involved on brain asymmetry in emotional processing. The paper ends pointing out new perspectives for the study of the neural subtrates of different components of emotions.

Morphometric hemispheric asymmetry of orbitofrontal cortex in women with borderline personality disorder: A multi-parameter approach

“…Conversely, punishment processing is correlated with the lateral OFC dominance. These data are consistent with a large body of literature on brain asymmetry in emotional processing, which associates the right hemisphere with the processing of negative affect and the left hemisphere with the processing of positive affect (Alves et al, 2008). Interestingly, a large longitudinal study found a reduction of cortical thickness in the right hemisphere of healthy subjects at increased familial risk for major depression, a psychiatric disorder highly comorbid with BPD (Peterson et al, 2009).…”

Detection of spatial frequency in brain-damaged patients: influence of hemispheric asymmetries and hemineglect

“…Although such neural lateralization has been primarily characterized by studies of perceptual and cognitive processes, behavioral and neuroimaging research has raised the possibility that the right and LHs play different roles in visual hemifields that are contralateral and ipsilateral to the lesion (Alves et al, 2008; Zhongming et al, 2009; Obregón and Shillcock, 2012). The present study did not find any interaction between these factors, which may be a limitation in the analysis and interpretation of the data.…”

Comparing quality and emotional responses as related to acceptability of light-induced oxidation flavor in milk

“…In literature outside of the psychology domain, these emotions are often classified as positive (happy) and negative (anger, fear, sadness, and disgust) ; surprise can be either negative or positive (Alves et al, 2008). Even though this categorization is rudimentary, identifying evoked "approach" and "withdrawal" emotions may help predict product success.…”

“…In psychology literature, six universal emotions are identified and classified as either "approach" (happy, surprise and anger) or "withdrawal" (fear, sadness, and disgust) (Alves, Fukusima, & Aznar-Casanova, 2008;Ekman et al, 1987). In literature outside of the psychology domain, these emotions are often classified as positive (happy) and negative (anger, fear, sadness, and disgust) ; surprise can be either negative or positive (Alves et al, 2008).…”