Attachment classification, psychophysiology and frontal EEG asymmetry across the lifespan: a review

• Main Authors: Manuela eGander, Anna eBuchheim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-02-01
• Series: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
• Subjects: Heart Rate; Psychophysiology; EEG asymmetry; prefrontal cortex (PFC); Skin conductance; Cortisol reactivity
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00079/full

In recent years research on physiological response and brain reactivity in different patterns of infant and adult attachment has increased. We review research findings regarding associations between attachment classifications and reactivity of the prefrontal cortex, the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Studies indicate that insecure attachment is related to a heightened adrenocortical activity, heart rate and skin conductance in response to stress, which is consistent with the hypothesis that attachment insecurity leads to impaired emotion regulation. Research on frontal EEG asymmetry also shows a clear difference in the emotional arousal between the attachment groups evidenced by specific frontal asymmetry changes. Furthermore, we discuss neurophysiological evidence of attachment organization and present up-to-date findings of EEG-research with adults. Based on the overall patterns of results presented in this article we identify some major areas of interest and directions for future research.