FEFA 2 - a computer based program for the training and testing of facial affect recognition

The program is based on a computer based instrument for testing and training of facial affect recognition that has been available within gearman-speaking countries: FEFA (Frankfurter Test und Training des Erkennens von fazialem Affekt). A development of this, FEFA 2, is now available in Swedish, German, Finnish or English and can be ordered here.

FEFA 2 consists of a test module and a training module

Structure of the test module

The test module consists of two sub-modules: TEST: eyes and TEST: faces. In the faces subtest, subjects must identify basic emotions presented on black and white photos of the entire face. It contains 50 items. In the eyes subtest black and white photos only of the eye region are shown. It contains 40 items. After performing the tests, analysis on the number of expected and unexpected responses (amount, and %) and reaction times are automatically produced. Likewise, a separate item analysis for each emotion category is generated.

Structure of the training module

The training module, too, consists of two sub‐modules: TRAINING: eyes and TRAINING: faces. The training module includes about 300 black and white photos with whole faces and those of eyes regions. The training consists of three levels: (A) judgement of pairs of eyes or faces (similar to the test module), (B) assistance for emotion recognition in text form, (C) in-depth comics. If a basic emotion is correctly recognized during the training the participant receives a visual and acoustic reinforcer (smiley face plus nice sound). If the training person gives an unexpected ("incorrect") answer, (A) s/he will be offered assistance by an explanatory text of the photo and the corresponding emotion; (B) s/he has the opportunity to identify a face emotion within a comic (see below for more details). With its help the unrecognised emotion can be re-examined.

Order FEFA 2

There is no longer technical support for the program due to old technology. Downloading the program works for some but not for others. We are therefore now handing out licenses free of charge to those who want to try to download the program. Note that there is no support available if it does not work.

To order the program, fill out the order form below.

Terms and conditions
Please read the terms and conditions before you order.

 

 

References

Bölte S, Ciaramidaro A, Schlitt S, Hainz D, Kliemann D, Beyer A, Poustka F, Freitag C, Walter H. Training-induced plasticity of the social brain in autism spectrum disorder. Br J Psychiatry. 2015 Mar 19. pii: bjp.bp.113.143784. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 25792694.

Bölte S, Feineis-Matthews S, Leber S, Dierks T, Hubl D, Poustka F. (2002). The development and evaluation of a computer-based program to test and to teach the recognition of facial affect. Int J Circumpolar Health, 61:61-68.

Bölte S, Feineis-Matthews S, Poustka F. (2003) Frankfurter Test und Training des Erkennens von fazialem Affekt FEFA. KJP

Bölte S, Hubl D, Feineis-Matthews S, Prvulovic D, Poustka F, Dierks T. (2006). Facial affect recognition training in autism: can we animate the fusiform gyrus? Beh Neurosci, 120:211-216.

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Kuusikko S, Haapsamo H, Jansson-Verkasalo E, Hurtig T, Mattila M-L, Ebeling H, Jussila K, Bölte S, Moilanen I. (2009). Emotion Recognition in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord, 39:938-945.

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Bölte, S., Feineis‐Matthews, S. & Poustka, F. (2003). Frankfurter Test und Training des Erkennens von fazialem Affekt FEFA. Frankfurt a. M., Goethe‐Universitätsklinikum, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes und Jugendalters.

Bölte, S., Ciaramidaro, A., Schlitt, S., Hainz, D., Poustka, F., Beyer, A., Freitag, C. & Walter, H. (2012). Sociocognitive Training Boosts Amygdala and Fusiform Gyrus Function in Autism (submitted).

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Kuusikko, S., Haapsamo, H., Jansson‐Verkasalo, E., Hurtig, T., Mattila, M.‐L., Ebeling, H., Jussila, K., Bölte, S. & Moilanen, I. (2009). Emotion Recognition in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 938‐945.

Schlitt, S. (2011). Behaviorale und neuronale Effekte eines Emotionserkennungstrainings bei Autismus‐Spektrum‐Störungen. Dissertation. Johann Wolfgang Goethe‐Universität Frankfurt am Main. Sinzig, J., Morsch, D. & Lehmkuhl, G. (2008). Do hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention have an impact on the ability of facial affect recognition in children with autism and ADHD? European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 17, 63‐72.