Rostros, gestos y emociones: procesamiento diferencial de las expresiones faciales emocionales en población infanto-juvenil según el sexo

Abstract

Introduction. Recognition of emotion in facial expressions is the process by which facial features are perceived and analyzed for the identification of the emotional state they denote. While this skill has been extensively studied, data is inconsistent on the topic of gender differences. Objective. To characterize basic emotion recognition in children and adolescents, establishing if there are distinctive profiles based on gender. Method. A digital adaptation of the Test Pictures of Facial Affects was used on a sample consisting of 147 subjects of both sexes, between 9 and 18 years old. Results. Women presented a superior performance in the recognition of expressions of disgust and surprise and lower reaction times in the set of basic emotions, while males stood out in fear recognition. Discussion. This research refreshes the nature vs. nurture debate, considering that processes of socialization, as well as biological and phylogenetic factors, are unavoidable elements to understand this process.