Nonconscious processing of fearful and neutral faces modulates the N170.

ABSTRACT: Prioritised processing of fearful compared to neutral faces is reflected in event-related potentials (ERPs), but the extent to which fearful faces enhance ERPs when not consciously perceived remains debated. The N170 component is considered a key marker of nonconscious processing of fearful faces. In this pre-registered study (N = 62), we tested whether the P1, N170, and early posterior negativity (EPN) differentiated between fearful faces, neutral faces, and non-facial control stimuli. Consciousness was manipulated using backward-masked stimuli presented for 17 ms, with masks following immediately or after 200 ms. Participants rated their subjective perception on a perceptual awareness scale in each trial. We found strong evidence for an increased N170 response to nonconscious fearful ver

SUBMITTER: Bruchmann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12569757 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature