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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Protocol for Data Collection and Analysis Applied to Automated Facial Expression Analysis Technology and Temporal Analysis for Sensory Evaluation
Published on: August 26, 2016
Relationships Between Facial Expressions and Facial Shape
Victoria V Rostovtseva1,2, Marina L Butovskaya3, Franz J Weissing4
1Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology RAS, Moscow, Russia. victoria.v.rostovtseva@gmail.com.
Human Nature (Hawthorne, N.Y.)
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Facial shape and expressions are linked, especially in men. Men with masculine faces tend to show anger, while a Duchenne smile influences perceptions of trustworthiness and happiness in both sexes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Biometrics
Background:
- The connection between facial shape and expression dynamics is understudied.
- Facial morphology and movement interact to influence perception.
- Understanding this interplay is key to human social cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between facial morphology, expression dynamics, and perception.
- To quantify facial expressions using Action Units (AUs) and facial shape using geometric morphometrics.
- To explore sex differences in the facial expression-morphology link.
Main Methods:
- Utilized facial videos and photographs for analysis.
- Quantified facial expressions via the Facial Action Coding System (FACS).
- Analyzed facial shape using geometric morphometrics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
Main Results:
- Women showed more intense facial movements; men had a tighter link between movement and structure.
- Identified sex-specific and shared facial expression patterns via PCA.
- A shared facial shape dimension linked to Duchenne smile tendency, influencing perceived traits like trustworthiness.
- Masculine facial shape in men correlated with lower-face anger expression.
Conclusions:
- Natural facial expressions are partially related to facial morphology, particularly in men.
- Facial shape influences expression patterns and subsequent social judgments.
- This study highlights the integrated nature of facial form, function, and social perception.
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