Prefrontal Cortex Activity during Emotional Regulation Tasks by Adults

Abstract

This study utilized the Reactivity and Regulation Situation Task (RRST) and qualitatively classified emotional regulation (ER) strategies used by adults based on their verbal responses. Research on the RRST, primarily focusing on cognitive reappraisal strategies and associated brain functions, adds to the existing body of ER research. This study used Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and measured brain functions during the RRST. Results revealed consistent variations in ER strategies and differences in cerebral hemodynamic characteristics between the two RRST blocks, which corroborated previous studies. The study also found that the speech quantity might have influenced ER, and cognitive reappraisal strategies activated different prefrontal cortex areas. Despite specific limitations, these findings are useful for future research on individual differences and ER-related disorders.