engleski

Gender related differences in recognition of emotional facial expressions

Aim. Emotional facial expressions are cross- culturally readily recognized. Although each of the emotions could be expressed by body language, we are better tuned to facial expressions. We wanted to confirm our assumption that recognition of facial expressions of emotions is an innate ability of individual brain with gender specific pattern. Methods. This survey was based on 12 photos, with 11 basic and complex emotions and a neutral face expressed by professional male and female actors that were given to 259 participants (139 females/120 males) from late childhood to young adult age. We tested the recognition of facial expressions of the following emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, contempt, disgust, surprise, confusion, shame, worry, anxiety and anger. Results. Female participants were better than male participants in recognizing emotional expressions on male faces. Also, facial expressions on female faces were significantly better recognized than on male faces. Remarkable accuracy in detecting happiness and surprise was in contrast to low ability for detection of worry and anxiety. We found that elementary school students are less able to recognize most of the expressions. Discussion. The female accuracy might partially be connected to the gender difference of visual perception and the constant reinforcement loop consisting of recognition, perception and production of expressions. Developmental difference in recognition of emotional expressions on female and male faces is probably due to some cognitive processes accessible to training during development. Conclusions. Gender specific pattern in recognizing emotions detected in this study could explain some misconceptions and traditional roles genders played during the course of cultural evolution.

emotions ; facial expression recognition ; sex differences

nije evidentirano