This video was selected as part of the scientific popularization competition “Highlight on the next generation 2020” organized by the QPRN. In this video, students from the Quebec Network of Junior Pain Investigators (QNJPI) present their research project.
With a decided step, you go up the steps of your house to answer a very important call. Suddenly, you hit your knee hard on a stair step, making you miss your call. What will your loved ones see on your face? Pain, anger, a bit of both? The facial expression of “pure” pain has been extensively studied and is believed to consist of facial movements such as frowning or puckering the nose. However, it is recognized that the face can express more than one emotion at a time (eg, a mixture of sadness and anger). In addition, pain is often felt simultaneously with emotions. However, no study has yet examined how the combination of pain and emotions is expressed on the face. Using advanced technologies (interactive virtual characters, facial movement detection software and brain activity measurement), my thesis aims to examine the perception of facial expressions of pain combined with certain negative emotions. This project may have implications for pain detection and management, as well as for the virtual representation of facial expressions.
