Training young children to recognize emotions in faces.

Facial Affect Sensitivity Training for young children with CU traits.

NIH-funded research University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-10696957

This study is testing a fun computer program designed to help young children who struggle with understanding emotions, especially fear and sadness, so they can improve their social skills and connect better with others.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10696957 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping young children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits, which can lead to difficulties in social interactions and emotional understanding. The approach involves a computerized program that provides feedback and incentives to improve children's sensitivity to emotional cues, particularly facial expressions of fear and sadness. By enhancing their ability to recognize these emotions, the research aims to address the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms associated with CU traits. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit callous-unemotional traits.

Not a fit: Children who do not exhibit CU traits or have other severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve emotional recognition and social skills in children with CU traits, leading to better social outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar neurocognitive interventions to improve emotional recognition in children, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Tuscaloosa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.