The measurement of facial expressions is important for research on emotion, communications, and other health-related issues. This study examines the facial expressions and emotions of 40 normal mothers when they deliberately make facial movements, when they see and hear stimuli related to children and child abuse, and when they talk about their reactions. Mothers' potential for child abuse is assessed with a previously developed inventory; facial expressions are videotaped and recorded electromyographically, and heart rate and skin conductance is monitored. The two methods for measuring facial expressions, a visual technique and EMG, are compared to show the correspondence of intensity and asymmetry measurements. The ability of EMG to discriminate specific muscular actions is explored, and the possibility that muscular tension can increase without visible changes is examined. Arousal as measured by heart rate and skin conductance will be related to determine whether different emotions depend upon abuse potential scores.The commercial value of this project lies in improving facial measurement strategies, methods for measuring emotion, and selection of audiovisual stimuli based on emotion. Procedures developed may be applied to predicting child abuse.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
