Electroencephalogram frontal asymmetry changes during emotion‐eliciting tasks and parent–child interaction dynamics

Abstract Frontal Electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry during emotion‐eliciting tasks has been underexplored, and the current study considered changes in infant frontal asymmetry during positive and negative emotion‐eliciting tasks relative to baseline, consistent with the capability model. Importantly, variability in parent–child interaction factors related to task‐related EEG asymmetry changes was examined. Healthy infants participated in the Peek‐a‐boo component of the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery and the Repeated Still Face, with EEG data collected simultaneously. Asymmetry changes from baseline to Peek‐a‐boo and the second Still Face administration were considered with respect to parent–child interaction dynamics, coded utilizing an established scheme. ANCOVAs were conducted, with age and child sex as covariates, parent–child interaction factors as dependent variables, and Peek‐a‐boo/Repeated Still Face asymmetry changes from baseline as independent variables, dichotomized as either positive or negative in direction (i.e., associated with either a shift toward relative left or right frontal activation). Results indicated that groups based on changes in frontal EEG asymmetry from baseline to Still Face were associated with significantly different levels of reciprocity/synchrony, intensity, and directedness in mother–infant play exchanges. Results highlight the importance of understanding task‐related EEG activation and links with parent–child interactions, providing further support for the capability model.