Electroencephalographic response to a body image exposure

Abstract

Body and appearance dissatisfaction have been common topics of study in psychological research. Another area of research that may have implications for these topics is that of frontal asymmetry; the greater relative activity in either the right or left frontal lobe. Action-oriented mindsets have been associated with changes in frontal activity. This study examined the effect of an appearance-related, action-oriented mindset on frontal cortical asymmetry while males and females viewed pictures of themselves in two-dimensions (2D) and three-dimensions (3D). Ninety-seven male and female participants completed this study. During their initial lab visit, participants had their pictures taken. Participants returned to the lab to view the pictures and were fitted with an electroencephalogram (EEG) in order to record brain activity while undergoing either a no-mindset or an action-oriented mindset induction. Results indicated effects of mindset induction, dimensionality of picture presentation order, and dispositional body image satisfaction on frontal and parietal asymmetry. State changes in affect and body image satisfaction were also predicted by state changes in frontal and parietal asymmetry. For the findings pertaining to frontal asymmetry, results are discussed in terms of motivational direction. Findings pertaining to parietal asymmetry are explored with reference to arousal and emotional intensity, spatial attention, the processing of binocular disparity, and body image.