Self-Esteem Predicts Sensitivity To Dynamic Changes In Emotional Expression

Previous studies found that people with low self-esteem (SE) exhibit heightened sensitivity and reactivity to facial expressions displaying rejection compared with people with high SE. The present study focuses more on dynamic rather than static expressions. Using a face morph task, in which a neutral expression gradually morphs into a full-intensity angry, disgusted, fearful, or happy expression, this study examined whether SE influences sensitivity to dynamic changes in emotional expression. After controlling for depression and anxiety among 160 college students, participants with low SE recognized angry and disgusted expressions at lower degrees of emotional intensity than participants with high SE. However, recognition of fearful and happy expressions was not found to be related to SE. These findings suggest a specific rejection sensitivity in the identification of subtle emotional expressions in people with low SE.