Differences in the resolution of emotional and cognitive conflict

The resolution of cognitive and emotional conflict seems to be of different nature. A behavioural approach was used in the present study to analyses these differences and to evaluate the influence of the presence absence of warning before Performing the task regarding the interfering character of the distractors and the influence of both current and previous congruene on conflict resolution. A modified (i.e. words instead of letters as stimuli) Eriksen flanker task was used. A higher flanker-induced interference during the resolutin of emotional rather than cognitive conflict, during the resolution of Incongruent trials and those preceded by a distinct congruence than the Current trial Os. Incongruent trial preceded by a congruent trial) was expected. Moreover, the warned group was presumed to reduce the Interference. Results showed longer reaction times for the emotional task and Incongruent trials. However, no significant results were found for warning or previous congruence. Our results confirm that more cognitive resources are required for solving emotional relative to non-emotional conflicts and even If subjects are warned of the interferences, It does not result in their successful avoidance.