How do abused children generally perceive facial emotions compared to their peers?

Abused children typically have difficulties accurately perceiving facial emotions compared to their peers. This can be attributed to their negative experiences and trauma, which may affect their emotional development and recognition abilities. Children who have faced abuse may develop a heightened sense of vigilance towards potential threats, leading them to misinterpret social cues and facial expressions. This impairment in emotional perception can manifest as challenges in recognizing emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, or happiness, which are crucial for healthy interpersonal interactions and emotional regulation. Such difficulties can also result in social withdrawal or inappropriate responses in social situations, further impacting their relationships and mental health. Understanding the nuances in emotional recognition for abused children is vital in providing them with the support they need to navigate social settings successfully.