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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease

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Published on: July 24, 2019

The commitment function of angry facial expressions.

Lawrence Ian Reed¹, Peter DeScioli², Steven A Pinker³

¹Department of Psychology, Harvard University lawrenceianreed@fas.harvard.edu.

Psychological Science

|June 6, 2014

Summary

Angry facial expressions enhance the credibility of threats, particularly when the threat is less believable. This suggests facial expressions serve as honest signals of intent, influencing decision-making in social interactions.

Keywords:

emotions facial expressions punishment threat

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Social Psychology
Behavioral Economics

Background:

Facial expressions are crucial for social communication.
The functional role of specific expressions, like anger, in signaling intent remains debated.
Hypothesized that anger signals commitment, enhancing threat effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

To test if angry facial expressions increase the effectiveness of threats.
To investigate if anger serves as an honest signal of commitment.

Main Methods:

Utilized an ultimatum game paradigm.
Participants (proposers) decided on monetary offers while viewing film clips of angry or neutral facial expressions.
Threat credibility was manipulated (inherently credible vs. less credible).

Main Results:

Angry expressions significantly increased offer amounts when threats were less credible.
Facial expressions did not influence offers when threats were inherently credible.
Findings support the honest signaling function of angry expressions.

Conclusions:

Angry facial expressions act as honest signals, bolstering the credibility of threats.
This mechanism influences economic decision-making and negotiation outcomes.
Supports the evolutionary and functional significance of emotional displays in social contexts.