Back to search

Virginia Tech

Dynamic Fluctuations in Emotion and Space Representation: A Functional Cerebral Systems Approach to Right Hemisphere Dysfunction

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

This study proposed an experimental test of theoretical models related to emotion and space representation in the brain. Previous research has established that emotion is represented, processed, expressed, and regulated largely by the right hemisphere. Furthermore, there is evidence from experimental paradigms and clinical case reports to suggest that the same hemisphere plays a dominant role in the processing of external space. A conceptual difficulty of clinical and neural network overlap arises when right hemisphere disorders of emotion are compared with those of spatial representation. The current experiment tested some of these hypotheses about emotion regulation and spatial representation in the right hemisphere using nonclinical subjects under a cortical stress paradigm designed to mimic the conditions of cortical duress. An additional goal was an extension of a previous study that examined emotional influence on spatial orientation. Results did not support our initial hypotheses. Subsequent analyses did provide some evidentiary support for some theories related to emotion and brain function. Additionally, patterns of subject performance were observed that support traditionally held theories of differential hemispheric function with regard to emotion and spatial behavior. These findings are discussed within the context of theories of emotion, spatial function, and disorders secondary to right hemisphere damage.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Psychology
Department dc:contributor.department
Psychology
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2019

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Campbell, Ransom W.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Harrison, David W.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Jones, Russell T.
  • Cate, Anthony
  • Clum, George A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:19895
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/100952

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Campbell, Ransom W.. Dynamic Fluctuations in Emotion and Space Representation: A Functional Cerebral Systems Approach to Right Hemisphere Dysfunction. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/100952