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Neuronal generators of posterior EEG alpha reflect individual differences in prioritizing personal spirituality.

ABSTRACT: Prominent posterior EEG alpha is associated with depression and clinical response to antidepressants. Given that religious belief was protective against depression in a longitudinal study of familial risk, we hypothesized that individuals who differed by strength of spiritual beliefs might also differ in EEG alpha. Clinical evaluations and self-reports of the importance of religion or spirituality (R/S) were obtained from 52 participants, and again at 10-y followup when EEG was measured. EEG alpha was quantified using frequency PCA of current source densities (CSD-fPCA). Participants who rated R/S as highly important at initial assessment showed greater alpha compared to those who did not. Those who rated R/S important in both sessions showed greater alpha than those who changed their ratings. EEG differences were particularly well-defined for participants with lifetime depression. Findings extend the view of alpha as a marker for affective processes, suggesting an association with the ontogenesis of spirituality.

SUBMITTER: Tenke CE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3893140 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Neuronal generators of posterior EEG alpha reflect individual differences in prioritizing personal spirituality.

Tenke C E CE Kayser J J Miller L L Warner V V Wickramaratne P P Weissman M M MM Bruder G E GE

Biological psychology 20130830 2

Prominent posterior EEG alpha is associated with depression and clinical response to antidepressants. Given that religious belief was protective against depression in a longitudinal study of familial risk, we hypothesized that individuals who differed by strength of spiritual beliefs might also differ in EEG alpha. Clinical evaluations and self-reports of the importance of religion or spirituality (R/S) were obtained from 52 participants, and again at 10-y followup when EEG was measured. EEG alp ...[more]

PMID: 23998996

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Neuronal generators of posterior EEG alpha reflect individual differences in prioritizing personal spirituality.

Publications

Neuronal generators of posterior EEG alpha reflect individual differences in prioritizing personal spirituality.

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