The Inverse of Psychopathology: A Loreta EEG and Cortisol Examination

Abstract

Low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from 63 nonclinical adults (34 female and 29 male) while they completed inventories on self-perception (Self-Perception and Experiential Schemata) and psychological well-being (The Brief Symptom Inventory–18). In addition, salivary samples were collected before and after the self-assessment tasks for cortisol analyses. The statistical analyses revealed a significant decrease in cortisol levels from pretest to posttest self-examination. This decline in salivary cortisol was inversely correlated with greater left-sided than right-sided hemisphere activation. Self-perception and self-in-relation to others predicted resting salivary cortisol levels. These data provide further evidence for the use of LORETA EEG, in particular, as a biological marker for emotional self-regulation.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Nancy Land, Sempangi Jones, Kelly Cox, Jessica Paskwietz, and Dominic Di Loreto for data acquisition and processing.

Notes

Note. N = 63. Som = Somatization subscale; Dep = Depression subscale; Anx = Anxiety subscale; GSI = Global Severity Index; SPESA = Self-Perception and Experiential Schemata Assessment; Pre-Cort = Pretest cortisol; Post-Cort = Post-test cortisol.

**p < .01.

Note. N = 63. SPESA = Self-Perception and Experiential Schemata Assessment; BSI = Brief Symptom Inventory–18; Pre-Cort = Pretest cortisol; Post-Cort = Posttest cortisol.

*p < .05. **p < .01.

Note. N = 63. SPESA = Self-Perception and Experiential Schemata; adol = Adolescence; BSI = Brief Symptom Inventory–18; soma = Somatatization; dep = Depression; anx = Anxiety.

*p < .05. **p < .01.

Note. N = 63.