Preferences for mirror image vs true image in facial palsy patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Preferences for mirror image vs true image in facial palsy patients
IRAS ID
181824
Contact name
Saghir Ahmed Sadiq
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust,
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Patients with facial palsy experience social problems and reduced well-being as a result of distress caused by asymmetry in their facial appearance. There is reason to think that these patients may be particularly sensitive to their facial asymmetry when they view their ‘true’ as opposed to their mirror image. Although most people prefer their mirror image, previous research suggests that patients with other conditions which cause facial asymmetry have a particularly strong preference. The main aim of this research is to determine whether this is also the case for facial palsy patients. The second aim of this research is to investigate whether other people have an opposite preference for the patient’s true image. Thirty facial palsy patients, attending appointments with Prof Ahmed Sadiq (a Facial Palsy specialist) at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and thirty control participants (family members/carers/friends accompanying the patients) will be invited to take part. Participants will be asked to attend one, 60 minute appointment at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, during which participants will be asked to complete the ‘implicit association test’, a computerised task which will provide a subtle measure of preference for mirror versus true image. Next, participants will be asked to view their own and another person’s mirror and true images and decide which they prefer. Findings could have implications in clinical practice (e.g., inform clinician-patient interactions) and could inform the design of interventions to reduce psychological distress and help patients adapt to their condition.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1718
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion