Neural correlates of written emotion word processing: A review of recent electrophysiological and hemodynamic neuroimaging studies

A growing body of literature investigating the neural correlates of emotion word processing has emerged in recent years. Written words have been shown to represent a suitable means to study emotion processing and most importantly to address the distinct and interactive contributions of the two dimensions of emotion: valence and arousal. The aim of the present review is to integrate findings from electrophysiological (ERP) and hemodynamic neuroimaging (fMRI) studies in order to provide a better understanding of emotion word processing. It provides an up-to-date review of recent ERP studies since the review by Kissler et al. (2006) as well as the first review of hemodynamic brain imaging studies in the field. A discussion of theoretical and methodological issues is also presented, along with suggestions for future research.

► Integration of recent electrophysiological (ERP) and hemodynamic neuroimaging (fMRI) studies. ► Emotional valence and arousal affect early stages of word recognition. ► Emotional valence recruits higher-order, evaluative processes. ► Arousal recruits more automatic, perceptual and physiological processes. ► Discussion of theoretical and methodological issues as well as future directions.