Neural representation of mixed feelings during real-time processing of negative words in pun-humor.

ABSTRACT: People commonly experience mixed feelings in everyday life. However, whether and to what extent mixed feelings represent a truly simultaneous experience of ambivalent emotional states remains elusive. This electroencephalogram (EEG) study aimed to investigate how mixed feelings blending amusement and negativity are dynamically experienced over time. Specifically, the neural representations of negativity and amusement were quantified during the real-time processing of negative words in pun-humor sentences. The results showed that, compared to non-humor and nonsensical sentences, pun-humor sentences with negative words received higher ratings of both amusement and negativity, indicating that such material can effectively elicit mixed feelings at the level of explicit behavior. Moreover, with

SUBMITTER: Sun Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12514311 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature