Emotional Modulation of Decision Processes in Coal Mine Emergencies: ERP Insights into Miners’ Crisis Response

In high-risk mining environments, the emotional state of individuals can play a critical role in shaping decision-making during emergencies. To investigate this phenomenon, we adopted an event-related potential (ERP) approach within a within-subject experimental framework. Participants were first exposed to a series of emotionally evocative cues designed to elicit distinct affective states, immediately followed by decision-making tasks that simulate coal mine emergency scenarios. Behavioral indices—such as reaction speed and task engagement—were recorded concurrently with ERP signals, with a specific focus on components including N1, P2, N2, P300, and LPP. Our analysis revealed that both the valence and intensity of emotional cues substantially modulated the decision-making process, as reflected by significant variations in response times and ERP measures. These findings offer fresh insights into the neural mechanisms through which emotional factors influence critical decisions in crisis situations, highlighting implications for the development of enhanced safety strategies in coal mining operations.