The Effects of Emotion Recognition Training on Interpersonal Effectiveness

Abstract

Emotion recognition ability (ERA) predicts more successful interpersonal interactions. However, it remains unknown whether ERA training can affect behaviors and improve social outcomes in such interactions. Here, 83 dyads of same-gender students completed either a self-administered 45 min ERA training based on audio-visual clips of 14 different emotions, or a control training about cloud types. All dyads then engaged in a face-to-face employee-recruiter negotiation about a job contract. Dyads trained in ERA reached more egalitarian economic outcomes, rated themselves and their partners as less competitive after the negotiation, and received more positive affect ratings as well as lower ratings on forcing from independent observers. Applications of the training in the context of work, education, and therapy are discussed.