The Relationship Between Fearful Facial Expressions Valences and Resting-State SW/FW Ratio

Abstract

Fearful facial expressions are considered dangerous and may lead to potential punishment and may be associated with behavioral inhibitions. In the present study, we examined the possible associations between the resting-state slow-wave and fast-wave ratio (SW/FW) and the valence of fearful faces. Previous studies have shown the role of SW/FW in approach-driven motivation and reward-seeking behavior. The resting-state EEG of 75 high school and undergraduate students were recorded while they were performing the valence judgment task. The results indicated a positive correlation between the global score of SW/FW and the valence of fearful faces. Moreover, multiple regression analyses indicated SW/FW in the left medial frontal as the best predictor of the valence of fearful faces. The present study confirms the previous findings underlying SW/FW mechanisms in the motivational system, including a prediction of increased SW/FW in elevated reward sensitivity and decreased SW/FW in elevated punishment sensitivity.