Narrative review and observer-based survey assess emotional expression in facial paralysis conditions, indicating unique perceptions.
Key Points
The study aims to explore how facial synkinesis and complete facial paralysis affect social perceptions of emotional expressions.
Conducted a narrative review of studies on facial paralysis and affect display.
Performed a survey with 557 observers viewing 24 dynamic facial videos (8 CFP, 8 FS, 8 controls).
Analyzed observer ratings using mixed effects linear models.
Observers rated FS faces as less likely to be seen as content or joyful compared to controls.
CFP faces had a ~98% lower chance of being labeled joyful (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01–0.04) and over 50 times more likely to be labeled depressed (OR 58.3, 95% CI 24.5–149.8).
Both conditions led to increased negative perceptions, but affective distortion was more pronounced in CFP.