Author: Aiko Nakamura, Haruki Tanaka
Review Article
Emotion and Creativity A Review of EEG Beta-2 Band Power and Connectivity in Creative Tasks
Haruki Tanaka* and Aiko Nakamura
Department of Virology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Published: 05 June 2015
Abstract
Creativity is a complex cognitive function influenced by both neural activity and emotional states. The power and coherence of the β2 EEG band in individuals performing creative tasks involving emotionally significant and emotionally neutral words. Their findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying creativity, highlighting the role of emotional valence in modulating brain activity. The β2 EEG band (18–25 Hz) is associated with higher-order cognitive functions, including problem-solving, divergent thinking, and emotional processing. The study observed increased β2 power and coherence in response to emotionally significant words compared to neutral words, suggesting that emotional stimuli enhance neural synchronization and information integration during creative processes. The heightened β2 activity indicates greater cognitive engagement, potentially facilitating novel idea generation and flexible thinking. Moreover, the study revealed hemispheric asymmetry in β2 coherence, with the right hemisphere exhibiting stronger connectivity patterns, particularly in response to emotionally charged words. This finding aligns with prior research suggesting the right hemisphere’s dominance in processing emotional and creative stimuli. The observed differences in EEG activity between emotionally significant and neutral words underscore the intricate relationship between emotion and cognition in creative thinking. These findings have broader implications for creativity research, cognitive neuroscience, and psychology. Understanding how emotional valence influences neural dynamics can inform strategies to enhance creative performance in various domains, including education, the arts, and problem-solving tasks. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing body of research exploring the neural basis of creativity, emphasizing the importance of emotional context in cognitive processing.
Keywords: Electroencephalography; Neuroscience; Beta-band oscillations
