Emotion Hunters: Efficacy of an online facial emotion recognition training game for adolescents

Abstract Facial emotion recognition (FER) is a key part of effective interpersonal communication, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Technology-based interventions have emerged as promising tools for skill training, especially post-COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Emotion Hunters - a skill enhancement game - on the accuracy of emotional facial recognition in a sample of neurotypical teenagers. This longitudinal study had 66 participants aged 11-15 years old randomly allocated between the intervention and control groups. Measures were taken at T1 (baseline) and T2 (post-intervention) using a FER task. Results revealed notable improvements in general accuracy and anger recognition in the intervention group. It is estimated that the intervention may offer additional benefits, especially in clinical populations with deficits in emotional recognition.