Resting-state frontal theta/beta ratio and psychological symptoms in college students: an EEG study

Abstract

Background Mental health problems are increasingly prevalent among college students and represent an important public health concern. Neurophysiological indicators derived from electroencephalography (EEG) may provide objective markers for identifying psychological vulnerability. The theta/beta ratio (TBR) has been widely associated with attentional regulation and cognitive control; however, its relationship with multidimensional psychological symptoms in non-clinical populations remains insufficiently understood. Methods Resting-state EEG was recorded from 222 undergraduate students aged 18–25 years during an eyes-closed condition. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90. Theta (4–7 Hz) and beta (14–30 Hz) power were extracted from frontal electrodes (F3 and F4), and the theta/beta ratio was calculated. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted to examine associations between EEG measures and psychological symptom severity. Results Students with higher levels of psychological symptoms showed significantly greater frontal theta and beta power compared with those reporting low-score levels. In addition, the theta/beta ratio was significantly higher in students with greater psychological symptom severity and was positively correlated with the total SCL-90 score as well as several symptom dimensions. Conclusions These findings suggest that resting-state frontal TBR is associated with psychological symptom severity in college students. The theta/beta ratio may serve as a potential neurophysiological candidate correlate of mental health vulnerability in non-clinical populations and provide a reference for objective auxiliary assessment of mental health in university populations.