Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-2012

Journal / Book Title

Open Journal of Medical Psychology

Abstract

Frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha band power during rest shows increased right, and/or decreased left, hemisphere activity under conditions of state or trait withdrawal-associated effect. Non-right-handers (NRH) are more likely to have mental illnesses and dispositions that involve such withdrawal-related effect. The aim of the study was to examine whether NRH might be characterized by increased right, relative to left, hemisphere activity during rest. Methods: The present research investigated that hypothesis by examining resting EEG alpha power in consistently-right-handed (CRH) and NRH individuals. Results: In support of the hypothesis, NRH demonstrated decreased right hemisphere alpha power, and therefore increased right hemisphere activity, during rest, compared to CRH.Conclusions: The study demonstrates further support for an association between increased right hemisphere activity and negative affect via an association between such EEG activity and NRH.

DOI

DOI: 10.4236/ojmp.2012.14014

Published Citation

Propper, Ruth E., Jenna Pierce, Mark W. Geisler, Stephen D. Christman, and Nathan Bellorado. "Asymmetry in resting alpha activity: Effects of handedness." Open Journal of Medical Psychology 1, no. 4 (2012): 86-90.

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