How to resist distraction in setting your goals: neurophysiological and behavioral evidence

Objective: This study examined the behavioral and electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of professionals’ ability to resist distractions while engaged in a goal-setting task. It also examined professionals’ willingness and flexibility to modify a previously set time allocation for a work activity. Method: Thirty-three professionals completed the three steps of the Time for Goal (T4G) task: Resistance to Distractor (RD), Time Confidence evaluation (TC), and Time-to-Action Recalibration (TAR) from which three scores were computed (RD, TC, and TAR). EEG activity (delta, theta, alpha, beta frequency bands) was continuously recorded during the RD step. Participants also completed the 10-item Big Five Inventory (BFI). Results: Results showed lower beta-band power in the post-compared to predistractor interval over bilateral frontal area, while higher beta-band power was found in the post- compared to predistractor interval over the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ). A negative correlation was found between the RD score and EEG beta workload index in the right frontal area, as well as between TAR score and EEG alpha workload index in rTPJ. Finally, a negative correlation was observed between the BFI Emotional Stability trait and the TAR score. Conclusions: Professionals’ ability to resist distractions and adjust time allocation is associated with distinct EEG beta and alpha activity patterns, particularly in frontal and temporoparietal regions.