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Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) alpha asymmetry is thought to reflect crucial brain processes underlying executive control, motivation, and affect. It has been widely used in psychopathology and, more recently, in novel neuromodulation studies. However, inconsistencies remain in the field due to the lack of consensus in methodological approaches employed and the recurrent use of small samples. Wearable technologies ease the collection of large and diversified EEG datasets that better reflect the general population, allow longitudinal monitoring of individuals, and facilitate real-world experience sampling. We tested the feasibility of using a low-cost wearable headset to collect a relatively large EEG database (N = 230, 22–80 years old, 64.3% female), and an open-source automatic method to preprocess it. We then examined associations between well-being levels and the alpha center of gravity (CoG) as well as trait EEG asymmetries, in the frontal and temporoparietal (TP) areas. Robust linear regression models did not reveal an association between well-being and alpha (8–13 Hz) asymmetry in the frontal regions, nor with the CoG. However, well-being was associated with alpha asymmetry in the TP areas (i.e., corresponding to relatively less left than right TP cortical activity as well-being levels increased). This effect was driven by oscillatory activity in lower alpha frequencies (8–10.5 Hz), reinforcing the importance of dissociating sub-components of the alpha band when investigating alpha asymmetries. Age was correlated with both well-being and alpha asymmetry scores, but gender was not. Finally, EEG asymmetries in the other frequency bands were not associated with well-being, supporting the specific role of alpha asymmetries with the brain mechanisms underlying well-being levels. Interpretations, limitations, and recommendations for future studies are discussed. This paper presents novel methodological, experimental, and theoretical findings that help advance human neurophysiological monitoring techniques using wearable neurotechnologies and increase the feasibility of their implementation into real-world applications.
Highlights
Well-BeingThe question of what determines well-being has intrigued humans throughout recorded history and to this day remains a topic of significant interest and debate (Dodge et al, 2012; Alexandrova, 2015)
Upon arrival at the research laboratory, participants were briefly interviewed by the research assistants to ensure they met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were allocated to a carrel where the following equipment was available for their participation: a wearable EEG headset, a Chromebook, and a pair of headphones
230 participants remained for analyses after preprocessing. 83 files contained at least one bad channel and 36 had less than 60 s of artifact-free data and were excluded from the analyses
Summary
Well-BeingThe question of what determines well-being has intrigued humans throughout recorded history and to this day remains a topic of significant interest and debate (Dodge et al, 2012; Alexandrova, 2015). Well-being can be mediated by numerous factors such as demographics (Keyes and Waterman, 2003; Carstensen et al, 2011), genetic predisposition (Keyes et al, 2010), personality traits (Lucas and Diener, 2008), income (Luhmann et al, 2011), exercise (Hassmén et al, 2000; Svensson et al, 2021), mindfulness meditation practice (Carmody and Baer, 2008), or connectedness with nature (Howell et al, 2011; Russell et al, 2013) These factors shape the structure and function of our brains throughout the lifespan, with important implications for wellbeing levels. By identifying the neural correlates of well-being, we may better understand the mechanisms that underly higher levels of well-being, and in turn, develop promising interventions aiming at helping people live happier and more successful lives (Dolcos et al, 2018)
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