Which hypothesis suggests that facial expressions can influence emotions?

Which hypothesis suggests that facial expressions can influence emotions?

• A. James-Lange
• B. Cannon-Bard
• C. Display Rules
• D. Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that facial movements themselves can shape how we feel. The Facial Feedback Hypothesis says that the pattern of our facial muscles sends signals to the brain that influence our emotional experience. So, if you adopt a smile, the facial feedback can make you feel happier, and if you mimic a sad expression, you can feel sadder. This creates a feedback loop where expression and emotion influence each other. This stands in contrast to other theories. James-Lange argues that emotions come after noticing physiological changes in the body—your body changes first, and that change leads to the feeling of emotion. Cannon-Bard contends that arousal and emotion occur at roughly the same time, but independently, so one doesn’t cause the other. Display Rules focus on social norms that govern when and how we should express emotions, not on whether facial expressions can alter the emotion itself.

The key idea is that facial movements themselves can shape how we feel. The Facial Feedback Hypothesis says that the pattern of our facial muscles sends signals to the brain that influence our emotional experience. So, if you adopt a smile, the facial feedback can make you feel happier, and if you mimic a sad expression, you can feel sadder. This creates a feedback loop where expression and emotion influence each other.

This stands in contrast to other theories. James-Lange argues that emotions come after noticing physiological changes in the body—your body changes first, and that change leads to the feeling of emotion. Cannon-Bard contends that arousal and emotion occur at roughly the same time, but independently, so one doesn’t cause the other. Display Rules focus on social norms that govern when and how we should express emotions, not on whether facial expressions can alter the emotion itself.