Attention, Cognitive Control and Affect

The AccA Group investigates the dynamic interplay among attention, cognitive control, and emotion through a multimodal approach combining behavioural, affective, electrophysiological (EEG), ocular, and interoceptive measures. Our goal is to understand human behaviour from a holistic perspective and to identify mechanisms that foster self-regulation and adaptive functioning.

We address these topics from three complementary angles:

• Environmental influences – identifying external stimuli that enhance cognitive flexibility;
• Neurophysiological mechanisms – characterising brain activity patterns, such as pre-stimulus alpha rhythms, that can be leveraged to promote self-regulation;
• Closed-loop dynamics – examining the continuous interaction between internal and external factors to model adaptive behaviour in real time.

By integrating these perspectives, the AccA Group aims to advance theoretical understanding and practical applications of human adaptability and emotional regulation.