The face is the primary site for the display of feelings and nonverbal effects. In “Unmasking the Face: A Guide to Recognizing Emotions from Facial Expressions,” Paul Ekman and William V. Friesen provide research that supports and expands on the observations of Charles Darwin. Darwin believed that facial expressions were transcultural. Ekman and Friesen confirmed this and analyzed how every muscle in the face works, relative to six transcultural facial expressions. Their results provide “facial blueprints” which will improve your ability to spot emotion in others and help you become aware of what your facial muscles are saying about your feelings. We know that each of these facial expressions has the same meaning in Canada and in Japan. Some researchers think that facial expressions are subject to involuntary responses.
The Six Basic Emotions and Their Combinations
Six basic facial expressions and their various combinations are revealed in three major facial areas. The six expressions are: surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness, and sadness. These expressions may appear in combinations. For example, surprise and fear or happiness and surprise may be simultaneous. They may also appear so quickly that you have to be looking for these facial expressions or you’ll miss them.
Decoding Expressions: The Three Major Facial Areas
The three major facial areas are the brow, the eyes, and the lower face. To get an accurate reading of the facial expression, you need to observe the characteristics of the three facial areas. Each area contributes uniquely to the overall emotional display. For example:
- The Brow: Raised and arched eyebrows often indicate surprise or fear, while knitted brows suggest anger or concentration.
- The Eyes: Widened eyes can signal surprise or fear, narrowed eyes might suggest anger or disgust, and the crinkling around the eyes is a strong indicator of genuine happiness. Eye contact, or lack thereof, also plays a significant role in conveying emotion.
- The Lower Face: The position of the mouth is key. An open mouth with dropped jaw signals surprise, a downturned mouth indicates sadness, and baring teeth can be a sign of anger or disgust.
By observing the characteristics of all three facial areas in conjunction, one can achieve a more accurate reading of a person’s emotional state. Practice observing the facial expressions of television characters. This exercise will make it easier and more helpful for you to recognize the feelings displayed in photographs.
Enhancing Self-Awareness Through Facial Expressions
You can also recognize your feelings by observing your own facial expressions. Your feelings can profoundly influence your success or lead to significant challenges. Yet Ekman and Friesen say, “We know less about our feelings than we do about our teeth, our car, or our neighbor’s escapades.” You will benefit by practicing the facial expressions with a mirror. When you make facial expressions, your body will know what they mean.
Cultural Nuances: Display Rules and Emotional Expression
While the six basic emotions are transcultural, it’s important to note that the intensity of their display and the circumstances under which they are shown can be influenced by cultural “display rules.” These are social norms that dictate when and how it is appropriate to express certain emotions. For instance, in some cultures, it might be considered impolite to show strong negative emotions publicly, leading individuals to mask or temper their expressions. Understanding these nuances adds another layer of complexity to interpreting facial expressions in real-world interactions.
Ekman and Friesen’s research has had a profound impact across various fields, from psychology and communication to law enforcement and healthcare, underscoring the critical role facial expressions play in human interaction and emotional understanding.
