Parental Rejection Predicts Greater Impairments in Recognition of Facially Expressed Emotions Among Substance Users Than Nonusers

Abstract

This study examined the long-term effects of parental rejection in childhood on the ability of men with and without substance use disorder (SUD) to recognise facially expressed emotions. A sample of 700 men (350 with SUD, 350 nonusers) completed the Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire to assess memories of parental rejection in childhood and the Adult Personality Assessment Questionnaire to measure psychological maladjustment. The ability to recognise facially expressed emotions was evaluated using a computerised task identifying six basic emotions. Results showed that men with SUD reported significantly higher levels of maternal and paternal rejection in childhood compared to nonusers. They also exhibited greater psychological maladjustment and impaired recognition of facially expressed emotions. Notably, parental rejection in childhood predicted difficulties in identifying negative facially expressed emotions such as anger and sadness in both groups. These findings highlight the lasting impact of adverse parenting on social–emotional skills, particularly among individuals with SUD. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve emotion recognition and social functioning in this population, offering potential pathways for more effective therapeutic strategies.