Recognition of emotional facial expressions in pandemic times: a study in ABI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34024/rnc.2023.v31.14721Keywords:
Face masks, Recognition of emotional facial expressions, Acquired Brain InjuryAbstract
Introduction. Data indicate that the use of a face mask makes the decoding of emotions more complex, which can negatively impact human interaction. However, little is known about its consequences in individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Objective. To test if the use of face masks hinders the emotion recognition of faces in individuals with ABI. Method. The participants, divided into two groups, one composed of individuals with ABI (n = 30) and the other with healthy individuals (n = 30), identified the emotional expressions displayed by 59 faces, with and without a mask, which appeared in a standardized way. Each emotion (happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust and surprise) was represented in 9 faces and the neutral expression appeared in 5 faces. For the study, the Gandra-BARTA instrument was used, a variation of the Bolton Affective Recognition Tri-stimulus Approach. Results. The use of a face mask significantly hindered the recognition of emotional facial expressions in both groups. However, this limitation is clearer in injured individuals. Conclusion. The use of face masks interferes with the role of communication, as it conditions the decoding of emotions, which can lead to misinterpretations of other’s intentions and goals. These effects are particularly worrying in cases of ABI, as it can mean an increased difficulty in their social and professional reintegration process.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Ana Catarina Martins Lopes, Maria João de Freitas Figueiredo de Almeida, Manuela Santos e Sousa, Sandra de Brito Beirão Guerreiro, Isabel Maria Silva Almeida, José Carlos da Silva Caldas, Luis Manuel Coelho Monteiro
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Accepted 2023-09-13
Published 2023-09-20
