Living with the elderly is related to a better performance in the recognition of facial expressions of emotion among older individuals

Authors

  • Bruna Moretti Luchesi Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas Federal University of São Carlos. Department of Gerontology
  • Allan Gustavo Brigola Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Ana Carolina Ottaviani Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Érica Nestor Souza Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Estefani Serafim Rossetti Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Mariélli Terassi Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Nathalia Alves de Oliveira Federal University of São Carlos. Graduate Program in Nursing
  • Sofia Cristina Iost Pavarini Federal University of São Carlos. Department of Gerontology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/acp.v45i4.152992

Keywords:

Facial recognition, emotions, cognition, aged

Abstract

Background: Cohabitation with the elderly may bring benefits to social relationships and exert an influence on the recognition of facial expressions of emotion. Objective: Compare emotion recognition skills between a cohabitation group (CHG) of older adults who live with a dependent elderly individual and a non-cohabitation group (NCHG) of older adults who do not live with an elderly individual. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 62 older adults in the CHG and 56 in the NCHG. The two groups were similar with regard to gender, age, schooling, degree of dependence, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms. A dynamic task with six emotions (anger, disgust, happiness, surprise, sadness, and fear) and four levels of intensity was administered to evaluate the recognition of facial emotions. Results: The CHG performed better than the NCHG regarding the correct identification of emotions, specifically surprise (60%), disgust (60%, 80%, and 100%), fear (80%), and sadness (80% and 100%). Discussion: Cohabitation with an elderly individual seems to offer benefits to older adults in terms of recognizing facial expressions of emotion.

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Published

2018-12-19

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 4 (2018)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Living with the elderly is related to a better performance in the recognition of facial expressions of emotion among older individuals. (2018). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 45(4), 82-87. https://doi.org/10.1590/acp.v45i4.152992