Affective Computing in Mental Health: The Role of Facial Expression Recognition

Abstract

Affective computing has emerged as one of the leading interdisciplinary disciplines that utilize technology to detect and interpret human emotions, and so it provides critical information for the mental health monitoring process. The present study addresses the facial expression recognition as an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. By discussing the physiological and psychological implications that facial expressions may have, we analyze how FER systems can supplement the traditional approach to mental health evaluation by providing real-time feedback and timely intervention. Improved algorithms for machine learning and computer vision techniques in FER systems enhance the accuracy and efficiency of FER systems, thus increasing their applicability in teletherapy, clinical assessment, and personal well-being applications. This discussion paper shall also touch on the issues and ethical concerns of FER technology, such as privacy and the potential for misinterpretation. Our results indicate that FER can be a meaningful contributor to care for personal mental health by continuous monitoring and understanding of emotional well-being.