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Pubertal development shapes perception of complex facial expressions.
Natalie V Motta-Mena1, K Suzanne Scherf1
1Department of Psychology and Center for Brain, Behavior and Cognition, Penn State University, USA.
Developmental Science
|June 21, 2016
Summary
Pubertal development enhances the ability to perceive complex facial expressions, such as sexual interest and contempt. This sensitivity reaches adult levels by late puberty, influencing adolescent social relationships.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Neuroscience
- Social cognition
Background:
- Pubertal development is hypothesized to shape face processing.
- Emerging social relationships in adolescence may require new perceptual skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how pubertal development influences sensitivity to complex versus basic facial expressions.
- To determine when the perception of complex expressions becomes adult-like.
Main Methods:
- A perceptual staircase procedure was used to test visual discrimination of facial expressions.
- Participants included pre-pubescent children, adolescents at different pubertal stages, and adults.
- Both socially complex (sexual interest, contempt) and basic (happy, anger) expressions were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Sensitivity to complex facial expressions improved significantly with pubertal development.
- Perception of basic facial expressions did not show similar developmental improvements.
- Adult-like perception of complex expressions was achieved by late puberty.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal development specifically influences the emergence of affective face perception during adolescence.
- This enhanced ability to perceive complex expressions may support adolescent social interactions.
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