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Emotion sensing using physiological signals in real-life situations can be practically valuable. Previous studies have developed wearable devices that record autonomic nervous system activity, which reflects emotional arousal. However, no study determined whether emotional valence can be assessed using wearable devices. To this end, we developed a wearable device to record facial electromyography EMG from the corrugator supercilii CS and zygomatic major ZM muscles.
Participants viewed the films again and continuously rated their recalled subjective valence during the first viewing.
The facial EMG signals recorded using both wired and wearable devices showed that CS and ZM activities were, respectively, negatively and positively correlated with continuous valence ratings. CS and ZM activities were correlated negatively and positively, respectively, with continuous valence ratings.
These data suggest the possibility that facial EMG signals recorded by a wearable device can be used to assess subjective emotional valence in future naturalistic studies. The ability to use physiological signals to sense emotional states in real-life situations offers practical advantages. Emotions carry special significance, as positive and negative emotional experiences are crucial components of human subjective wellbeing 1 and affect behavior and health 2.
