Spatiotemporal correlates of emotional conflict processing in typically developing adolescents using magnetoencephalography

Brain networks involved in emotional conflict processing have been extensively studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults. Yet, the temporal correlates of these brain activations are still largely unknown, particularly in a key phase of emotional development, adolescence. Here, we elucidate the spatiotemporal profile of emotional conflict processing in 24 typically developing adolescents (10–18 years; 22 Caucasian) during an emotional face-word Stroop task. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we calculated dynamic statistical parametric maps and compared trials with and without emotional conflict whole-brain cluster-based permutation tests, followed by cluster-based ROI time-frequency analyses. Cluster analysis revealed four significant clusters, including early activation of the cingulate and temporal cortices, which may be related to dorsal and ventral streams of processing, respectively. This was followed by late components in the middle frontal and prefrontal cortices, which are likely related to response execution and post-response monitoring. Time-frequency analysis revealed event-related synchronizations and desynchronizations in beta and gamma bands across the cingulate cortex, which highlight the different roles of the cingulate subdivisions. Our findings provide further evidence of the cingulate's key role in emotional conflict processing across time. Improving our understanding of this key cognitive process will guide future work with neuropsychiatric populations, which may aid diagnosis and treatment outcomes.