Cortical functional connectivity is associated with the valence of affective states

The study investigates the relationships between the valence of affective states and the cortical patterns of functional connectivity. The information flow rate and direction were estimated by means of Directed Transfer Function (DTF), a multivariate method based on Granger causality. It was calculated on EEG activity recorded during mental imagery tasks. As a result, three regions were revealed as main network hubs, where the information outflow changed specifically with valence: the anterior orbitofrontal cortex, and the right posterior and right temporal area. The role of these structures in synchronizing the cortical affective network as well as in mediating different aspects of emotional state is discussed.