Toward an operational model of decision making, emotional regulation, and mental health impact
Neuro-biofeedback Imaging in Human Performance and Mental Health
Seeing Inside The Client’s Mind – This article was originally published by Counseling Today: https://ctarchive.counseling.org/counseling-today/
Emotional and Cognitive Decision-Making Modeled using EEG Imaging
Live sLORETA Brain Imaging & Biofeedback using a Normative Database
Disclaimer: This content was generated with the assistance of AI and then reviewed and edited by BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Emotional Decision-Making and the Brain #
Integrating Neuroscience, Emotion, and Clinical Insight
Introduction #
Understanding how emotions shape decisions is fundamental to advancing mental health and performance training. Neuroscience research—most notably by Collura, Zalaquett, Bonnstetter, and Chatters—combines electroencephalography (EEG) and sLORETA imaging to visualize how the brain processes emotion and decision-making in real time. This body of work, including studies in Advances in Mind-Body Medicine (2014) and presentations across neuroscience and biofeedback associations, establishes an operational model linking emotion, cognition, and behavior.
The Frontal Brain and Emotional Decision-Making #
EEG studies show that the frontal lobes play a central role in evaluating emotional and safety-related information:
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Left hemisphere: Associated with approach, positive emotion, and serial (step-by-step) decision processing.
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Right hemisphere: Associated with avoidance, negative emotion, and parallel (rapid, pattern-based) scanning for threats or discomfort.
In healthy integration, these hemispheres collaborate—balancing intuition, caution, and rational analysis. Dysregulation between them may contribute to anxiety, depression, impulsivity, or chronic indecision.
Key Brain Regions: Brodmann Areas 11 & 46 #
Functional imaging highlights Brodmann Area 11 (mesial prefrontal cortex) as responsible for primary emotional sensations (e.g., “good” or “bad” feelings), while Brodmann Area 46 (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) handles secondary emotional perception—the contextual interpretation of those feelings.
This dual-process model reveals how emotions transition from raw experience to informed choice.
The Brain-Path Activation Model #
The Brain-Path Activation Model integrates EEG asymmetry with emotional regulation theory.
It conceptualizes decision-making as two dynamic processes:
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Parallel Scanning (Right Hemisphere) – Rapid, past-oriented risk detection (“Is it safe?”).
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Serial Scanning (Left Hemisphere) – Deliberate, future-oriented reasoning (“Will it be okay?”).
When the right hemisphere dominates, individuals may experience chronic vigilance or anxiety. Overactivation of the left hemisphere may produce rumination or indecision, seen in depressive states.
Clinical Applications and Observations #
Using BrainAvatar with sLORETA imaging, clinicians can visualize hemispheric activation during emotional stimuli.
Example findings include:
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Depressed client: Predominant right-hemisphere activation even when exposed to positive cues like “chocolate chip cookies.”
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Anxious or trauma-related responses: Overactive right frontal regions with limited left-side engagement.
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Risk-takers or impulsive profiles: Left-dominant processing with minimal right-hemisphere “safety checking”.
These insights allow practitioners to map emotional dysregulation and personalize neurofeedback or counseling strategies.
