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The Universality of Facial Expressions of Emotion

The Face is Special

Those of you who have been following us (thank you!) know that faces do many things, and one very special thing that faces do is express emotion. 

Over half a century of scientific research has documented that seven facial expressions of emotion are universally expressed and recognized, all around the world, regardless of race, culture, nationality, religion, gender or any other demographic variable. 

They are: Anger, Contempt, Fear, Disgust, Happiness, Sadness, Surprise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read our previous blog for cues on how to identify the seven universal basic emotions listed above.

Basic Emotions

These findings led to decades of research that led to the identification of what are known as basic emotions. 

Basic emotions are a class of emotion for which there is abundant research evidence for certain characteristics, including 

  1. Universal, underlying psychological triggers or antecedents
  2. Unique physiological signatures
  3. Pan-cultural cognitive gating
  4. Cross-cultural feelings and experiences
  5. Universal nonverbal expressions in the face, voice and body. 

Of course, basic emotions are not the only kind of emotions humans have; we have many other, very different types of emotions. But basic emotions are a special type of emotion because research has demonstrated that they have those unique characteristics above that others do not (or more precisely, research has yet to find them in other emotions).  

Our view of basic emotions is based on universal, observable nonverbal behavior in facial expressions. But our view is not the only way to characterize basic emotions. Scholars have differed in what they call “basic emotions.” We believe that different characterizations of the emotion system in humans do not necessarily argue against each other (although scholars and researchers love to argue with each other); rather they are different ways of understanding the very complex emotion system. For discussion about other ways to classify basic emotions, read this past blog.

The Universality of Facial Expressions of Emotion

Some scholars have argued against the idea of basic emotions and the universality of facial expressions of emotion. We have reviewed very closely all of those claims (that recycle themselves every couple of decades) and the evidence cited in support of them. As we have mentioned before, we are very happy to have a scientific, technical discussion about that evidence with anyone. 

We stand by our conviction that facial expressions of emotion are universal and biologically innate, and that the link between a spontaneous, intense, and meaningful emotional reaction and a corresponding facial expression has never been refuted by any study. For more info on why we think so, read this past blog on the topic.

Emotions and Nonverbal Behavior

 

Research of the last two decades have furthered our understanding of emotions and nonverbal behavior. 

Much of this research has linked facial expressions with other nonverbal channels – gaze, head, and whole body movements – to express emotions across cultures, such as shame and embarrassment, love, gratitude, sympathy, pride, and triumph.

Read more about our research on triumph here.

 

The Latest Research

The latest research findings continue to expand our knowledge about emotion, nonverbal behavior, and facial expressions. A recent study published in Nature Research reported that 16 facial expressions occur in similar contexts worldwide (amusement, anger, awe, concentration, confusion, contempt, contentment, desire, disappointment, doubt, elation, interest, pain, sadness, surprise, triumph). 

To be sure, not all of these are emotions (e.g., concentration, confusion; but that depends on one’s definition of emotion), and those that are emotions are likely variants of the original seven universal facial expressions of emotion. Interestingly, there were no cultural differences in the facial configurations of these expressions, but there were cultural differences in how strongly they were expressed.  

Thus, today we can still safely conclude that there are at least seven emotion families that are primarily expressed in the face that are universally expressed and recognized. These emotions and expressions likely serve as the basis by which variants occur, and these variants may likely be universal as well. Additionally, there are other types of facial expressions that are likely universal, not of emotion but of cognition or cognitive processes. And facial expressions combine with other bodily movements to convey other emotions.  

All this research is leading to more nuanced understandings of emotions and nonverbal behavior. Although we know that emotions, when elicited, recruit coordinated, whole-body responses, there are likely different parts of the body that are more salient for some emotions with regard to expressive behavior observable by others. We believe that different nonverbal channels were recruited to convey specific emotions based on their function within our evolutionary history. For example, conveying fear with our faces and bodies was more adaptive for humans in the past because people could observe fear reactions from farther away than just by seeing faces alone. Recognizing emotions such as surprise or disgust from a distance was not as important, so these were more easily conveyed more solely by faces. This is one reason why accuracy rates in multiple studies of judging fear solely through facial expressions are generally lower than rates for other emotions.  

What Else Our Faces Do

many-expressions-facial-expressionsFinally, let’s not forget that expressing emotion is just one thing that faces do. We also know that facial behavior has many other functions such as:  

  • Signaling cognition and cognitive processes (which the research described above demonstrated) 
  • Signaling specific verbal words or phrases 
  • Articulating speech 
  • Signaling physical exertion or physical effort 
  • Other idiosyncratic things 

See our blog here for more discussion. All in all the research to date continues to demonstrate the power of faces all around the world.  

 

Stay tuned here and subscribe to the right —-> to keep up with more about the latest research on faces, emotion, and nonverbal behavior!

 

The post The Universality of Facial Expressions of Emotion first appeared on Humintell.

To Face the Fear, Don’t Press Mute

Guest Blog by AnnMarie Baines

Even in the midst of a pandemic, people still feel the pressure to appear “perfect”. Unfortunately, the pressure to be perfect only increases the fear of public speaking, regardless of a speaker’s experience level.

As a public speaking coach and founder of non-profit, The Practice Space, I have observed more people using the virtual world to hide and avoid that fear completely. By turning off our cameras and putting ourselves on mute, it is easier to opt out of public speaking and observe discussions at a distance, as opposed to being spotlighted and risk judgment and uncertainty.

While it is more equitable to give people the option of whether they want to turn on video, as a woman of color, I also know it is important not to silence ourselves. For those whose voices are unrepresented in powerful places, including women, youth, people of color, the fear of public speaking is already entrenched in histories of oppression and discrimination that instruct us to feel that our voice is somehow inferior. It is even more essential to push back on the conditions that are set up to push diverse voices aside.

Instead of pressing mute, facing the fear of public speaking instead begins with a change in mindset. Public speaking is infinitely more scary when we view it as a test, or feel like we have to defend ourselves on trial. If we view communication as a tool for human connection, then public speaking should be viewed as a chance to teach and enhance understanding. Confident communication emerges when we listen, teach, commit to our ideas, and let go when things don’t go as planned.

Tip #1: Value your connection to the audience.

Regardless of whether we are online or in person, all the anxiety-coping strategies in the world will not help until a speaker personally reframes the goal of public speaking. When the goal is still to “get through the speech unscathed” or “deliver a presentation without any mistakes” or “deliver everything perfectly from memory”, the irony is that speakers are much more likely to be nervous and unsatisfied with their performance. Instead, public speakers need to frame goals that prioritize the effect they want to have on their audience. For instance, public speaking goals such as teaching new ideas, inspiring connections, communicating content that people remember, and encouraging follow-up conversations do not depend on perfection. Rather than having goals that are all about you, effective communication should value connection over seamless presentation.

Tip #2: Expect and embrace discomfort.

Everything in 2020 is deeply uncomfortable, and communicating over a webcam is no exception. That said, for many, public speaking has always been an uncomfortable and somewhat unnatural experience, even before the pandemic hit. Many speakers and performers use visualization techniques, where they prepare themselves by imagining the result they want. Instead of imagining situations where you don’t feel any nerves at all, it can help to imagine the jitters you might have at the start and then imagine them disappearing as you sink into the moment and connect with your audience. It can also help to embrace the reality that public speaking will sometimes feel awful, but also that the discomfort won’t last forever — sometimes, it is only a few minutes.

Tip #3: When you can, always speak about what excites you.

Given how fearful and anxious some people can feel about public speaking, the discomfort is only worthwhile if your message is personally important to you. Sometimes, when I am faced with a speech that is particularly nerve-wracking to me, I will say to myself, “right now, this work is more important than my fears.” While it is always useful to think about what your audience might want to hear, at the end of the day, every speech should always derive from content that drives, motivates, and excites you. When you talk about what genuinely interests you, it is easier to get lost in your message and drown out evil voices of self-critique and doubt. The byproduct is that your speaking delivery will automatically be better because you are speaking from the heart instead of from a place of stress.

When I interview my students about their growth and confidence, it always surprises me that they never say that their nerves have gone away. Even the most advanced students say that the fear is always there, but that they have learned to embrace it. In the words of one of my high school students, who was a champion public speaker and state champion finalist, “So I’m still kind of afraid of talking in front of people and I try to avoid it as much as possible or get other people to go before me, but I’m just kind of on terms with it now. I can choose to rise above it rather than let it inhibit me.” Before we voluntarily put ourselves on mute, take a moment to reflect on why. If it is to listen deeply and learn from others, then mute away. But if it is to avoid fears, then don’t be the one to silence yourself because there are plenty of people out there who will.

Read a previous guest blog by AnnMarie on how to feel less nervous about speaking in public 

The post To Face the Fear, Don’t Press Mute first appeared on Humintell.

Unmasking Facial Expressions of Emotion

The COVID-19 global pandemic has undoubtedly changed people’s lives. Virtual meetings have largely replaced in-person interactions leading to what some call “zoom fatigue”. Parents are forced to now work from home while simultaneously teaching and entertaining their children.

But perhaps one of the biggest shifts has come with widespread mask wearing. People are now having to interact with others face-to-face when a large portion of the face is covered. Yet, while it is true that masks block faces, all is not lost. You can still gain insights into people’s emotional states.

LEARN MORE

Humintell is excited to announce the launch of their new Masked MiX training course that will help you unmask facial expressions of emotion.

Masked MiX will help you:

  • Read facial expressions of emotion and microexpressions on masked faces
  • Know which facial emotions are visible and which are not
  • Label emotions quickly and accurately on masked faces

You can see a short demo of the training here:

What people are saying about Masked MiX

“Once again Humintell has come through with a new tool that teaches you how to read facial expressions while people are wearing masks. This is definitely a must have for everyone living in a world post COVID-19. This was training was timely, practical, and fascinating!“

~Urau Lino

“I have tried the Masked Mix and I absolutely loved the program. The explanation part is very useful and the comparison of the micro expressions on the face with and without a mask is just fantastic. What I also love about the program is the option to freeze the expression and to read the explanation for the micro expression I have just seen. The fact you use faces of different gender, nationality and age makes it even more valuable. Honestly, the program is just perfect for the new reality we are all dealing with. Great job! Thank you!”

~Irina Golovanova

“Masked Mix is a new, state of the art training tool that focuses on the upper facial cues which are observable when the lower half of the face is covered. The beauty of this training is that you’re able to select the speed you wish to take the exam and there are 3 levels of certificates available depending on your speed setting and your level of proficiency in correctly identifying the masked emotions. With the wearing of face masks part of daily life, this training tool will sharpen up your skills in identifying expressions of emotion in your masked conversation partner & provide you with a reminder of how communicative the face is!”

~Craig Baxter

Want to learn more?

Our one-of-a-kind Masked MiX training includes an introduction section, 11 instructional videos, a practice and post-test as well as a certification of completion.

Training is accessible for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 1 year through our training website.

Simply purchase the training, create an account and register your product key that you receive via email. It’s that simple.

LEARN MORE