Differences in the resolution of emotional and cognitive conflict

Abstract

A behavioural approach was used to analyse the relations between cognitive and emotional conflict. A modified (i.e., words instead of letters as stimuli) Eriksen flanker task was used. A higher flanker-induced interference (as reflected by higher reactions times) was expected during the emotional than during the cognitive conflict. This possibility was also analysed by manipulating the instructions and informing a group of subjects on the interfering nature of the flankers. Reaction times were greater during the emotional task and following incongruent stimuli. There was no significant interaction between type of conflict (i.e., emotional or cognitive) and stimuli congruency. These results suggest that, under the present experimental circumstances, there are no differences between the resolution of emotional and cognitive conflict.