Objectives: The development (Study 1) and validation (Study 2) of a categorical system for the attribution of facial expressions of negative emotions to specific functions.
Method: The facial expressions observed inOPDinterviews (OPD-Task-Force 2009) are coded according to the Facial Action Coding System (FACS; Ekman et al. 2002) and attributed to categories of basic emotional displays using EmFACS (Friesen & Ekman 1984). In Study 1 we analyze a partial sample of 20 interviews and postulate 10 categories of functions that can be arranged into three main categories (interactive, self and object). In Study 2 we rate the facial expressions (n=2320) from the OPD interviews (10 minutes each interview) of 80 female subjects (16 healthy, 64 with DSM-IV diagnosis; age: 18-57 years) according to the categorical system and correlate them with problematic relationship experiences (measured with IIP,Horowitz et al. 2000).
Results: Functions of negative facial expressions can be attributed reliably and validly with the RFE-Coding System.
Conclusions: The attribution of interactive, self-related and object-related functions allows for a deeper understanding of the emotional facial expressions of patients with mental disorders.
Keywords: Context; FACS Facial Action Coding System; Facial Expressions of Emotions; Function; OPD Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics.