Abstract
Introduction: Anecdotal reports suggest that individuals with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) may have difficulties with face perception; however, empirical evidence for this putative impairment is lacking despite the potential impact on quality of life. Thus, this study empirically evaluated face perception and the impact on socio-emotional factors in individuals with CVI. Methods: 21 participants (10 control, 11 CVI) completed a forced choice face perception task and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In the face perception task, participants were shown a target face at varying levels of Gaussian blur and four faces underneath, from which they were asked to identify the match using PsyToolkit1,2. We then calculated accuracy and the threshold at which individuals correctly identified the target face, whereby lower spatial frequency thresholds denote better performance. The SDQ was scored according to published guidelines with subscores for peer and emotional problems. Group differences and correlations between outcomes were evaluated using t-tests and Pearson correlations, respectively. Results: Individuals with CVI had a significantly lower proportion of correct responses, relative to controls (t = -2.58, p = 0.022) and demonstrated higher Gaussian thresholds, although the latter did not reach statistical significance. The CVI group reported greater difficulties overall (t = 3.66, p = 0.0019), particularly in the emotional and peer problems subscales (p < 0.05). These were also negatively correlated with proportion correct on the face perception task (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results provide empirical evidence that CVI may be associated with impaired face perception and an increase in negative social-emotional factors. References: 1. Stoet, G. (2010). Behavior Research Methods, 42(4), 1096-1104. 2. Stoet, G. (2017). Teaching of Psychology, 44(1), 24-31.