Investigating the links between parent–child interactions and context-specific electroencephalography asymmetry: Neurophysiology behind a frustrating task

•Lateralization of emotions/motivation is studied via electroencephalography (EEG).•Faster-paced play with mothers was associated with relative left frontal activation.•More sensitive/responsive interactions were linked to greater left frontal activation.•The noted leftward shift in activation may be a marker of more profound frustration.•Results provide support for applications of the capability model in infant research.