The Relationship Between the Pattern Reversal Evoked Potential (PREP) and Anxiety and Depression in College Students

Department

Department of Psychology: North Carolina A&T State University, 1601 E Market Street, Greensboro NC, 27411

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Abstract

Anxiety and Depression are classified as internalized mental health disorders. An event related potential (ERP) is a measured brain activity which is activated and captured in response to a stimulus. Event related potentials were recorded via electroencephalogram (EEG) throughout this study. The pattern reversal evoked potential was measured by electrical response via black and white checkerboard. PREP ignites the visual cortex located in the occipital lobe. Fifteen students were used as participants within this study. The hypothesis proposed was that the PREP amplitude would be associated with anxiety and depression. To evoke the PREP, participants watched a reversal black and white checkerboard 100 times. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between the P100 amplitude and anxiety which was positive. There was found to be significance in P1N1AMP (Amplitude) and the depression scale. These results indicate that students with higher levels of anxiety can show large P100 amplitude (higher brain response stimulus). This could be due to hyperfocus or hyperactivity, increasing anxiety scores. Furthermore, as depression scores increased, amplitude decreased resulting in a negative correlation. Higher depression scores are correlated to lower brain response amplitude. This could be due to lack of engagement and motivation deficits.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS