What are the influences of orthogonally-manipulated valence and arousal on performance monitoring processes? The effects of affective state

Studies of the influence of affective state on the cognitive control process of performance monitoring are mixed and few studies have orthogonally manipulated affective valence and arousal. Performance monitoring can be measured using behaviors (e.g., response times and error rates) and components of the event-related potentials (ERPs), such as the error-related negativity (ERN), correct-related negativity (CRN), and post-error positivity (Pe). We used a pre/post design and standard mood induction paradigm in 121 healthy participants randomly assigned to orthogonal valence (positive or negative) and arousal (high or low) conditions (i.e., happy, calm, anxious, or sad mood states). Following mood induction, valence and arousal ratings differed between groups. Behavioral findings showed decreased accuracy in participants with high arousal and negative valence (i.e., anxious condition), but no additional response time (RT), post-error slowing, or accuracy effects. Amplitude of the CRN differentiated high and low valence, but was not related to arousal. Positive valence was associated with decreased CRN amplitude even when baseline affect and demographic variables were controlled. Valence and arousal did not significantly differentiate the amplitude of the ERN, although the ERN minus CRN difference was related to arousal but not valence ratings in multiple regression analyses. Affect-related differences were not shown for the Pe. Findings provide a context to understand how dimensional aspects of emotional valence and arousal influence performance-monitoring processes and suggest a need for further research on the functional role of the CRN and its relation to affective valence.