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Related Experiment Videos

Selection for universal facial emotion.

Bridget M Waller1, James J Cray, Anne M Burrows

  • 1Centre for the Study of Emotion, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, UK. bridget.waller@port.ac.uk

Emotion (Washington, D.C.)
|June 11, 2008
PubMed
Summary
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Universal facial expressions are possible due to consistent facial muscles. Despite individual variations in facial musculature, essential muscles for universal expressions show high occurrence and minimal asymmetry, enabling consistent communication.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Human anatomy
  • Nonverbal communication

Background:

  • Facial expressions are considered a universal human communication system.
  • Emotions like happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust are recognized globally.
  • Individual variations in facial musculature pose a question about universal expression production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anatomical basis of universal facial expression production.
  • To reconcile individual variability in facial muscles with universal emotional expression.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of 18 human cadavers.
  • Analysis of the presence and symmetry of facial muscles crucial for universal expressions.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Facial muscles essential for universal expressions demonstrated 100% occurrence.
  • These key facial muscles exhibited minimal gross asymmetry across individuals.
  • Some non-essential facial muscles were found to be absent or asymmetrical.

Conclusions:

  • Consistent presence and minimal asymmetry of essential facial muscles explain universal expression production.
  • Facial muscles appear to be selected for nonverbal communicative functions while allowing for individual variation.