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Human Attachment and the Electrophysiological Dynamics of Emotion Regulation: An Event-Related Potential Study
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  • Marcos Domic-Siede,
  • Andrea Sánchez-Corzo,
  • Xaviera Álvarez,
  • Vanessa Araya,
  • Camila Espinoza,
  • Karla Zenis,
  • Mónica Guzmán,
  • Martín Irani,
  • Marcela Perrone-Bertolotti,
  • Romina Ortiz
Marcos Domic-Siede
Universidad Católica del Norte

Corresponding Author:mdomic@ucn.cl

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Andrea Sánchez-Corzo
St Jude Children's Research Hospital
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Xaviera Álvarez
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Vanessa Araya
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Camila Espinoza
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Karla Zenis
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Mónica Guzmán
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Martín Irani
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Marcela Perrone-Bertolotti
Université Grenoble Alpes
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Romina Ortiz
Universidad Católica del Norte
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Abstract

Emotion regulation is pivotal in human interactions and well-being. Modulating one’s emotional state is intricately linked with psychological, behavioral, and physiological responses. Extensive research has explored how individuals with varying attachment orientations manage emotions, predominantly through self-report measures and behavioral assessments. However, the influence of attachment orientations on temporal electrophysiological dynamics during emotion regulation tasks remains underexplored. Here, 90 adults’ EEG brain activity was recorded while they engaged in tasks of attending to, reappraising, or suppressing emotions elicited by unpleasant images. Their attachment orientations were assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships-12 (ECR-12) questionnaire to explore the association between Late Positive Potential (LPP) and attachment anxiety and avoidance amidst the deployment of emotion regulation strategies. Using Linear Mixed-Effects Model analysis our results revealed a lower amplitude of the LPP during cognitive reappraisal, suggesting the efficacy of this strategy in diminishing emotional intensity. Moreover, higher attachment anxiety exhibited increased LPP amplitude during both Reappraisal and Suppression, as well as during the negative natural condition, indicating heightened emotional responses. This study provides novel insights into the relationship between attachment orientations and emotion regulation, as evidenced by EEG-based measurements of the LPP. The findings indicate that individuals with higher attachment anxiety display distinct electrophysiological responses, particularly in emotional scenarios.
15 Oct 2024Submitted to Psychophysiology
17 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
17 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
17 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Nov 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned