Search Here

Lack of facial expression leads to perception of unhappiness, according to a new study. The reason stated is that people with facial paralysis can't communicate in the universal language of facial expression, hence are perceived as being less happy. 

The findings highlight the important role the face plays in everyday communication and indicates people may hold a prejudice against those with facial paralysis because of their disability, said Kathleen Bogart, an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University, in the press release. 

"People are more wary and more likely to form a negative impression of someone with a disability," Bogart said. "Identifying that stigma is the first step to addressing it."

"Facial paralysis is highly visible. Everyone notices there's a difference, but people have no idea why. They don't understand the nature of the condition."

Some basic facial expressions like smile, are communicated universally across cultures. However, people with facial paralysis or facial movement disorders may not be able to participate and hence may seem unresponsive in social situations. 

To better understand how those with facial paralysis are perceived by those without facial paralysis, Bogart conducted an experiment comparing how emotions are perceived based on different forms of communication, the press release added. 

The findings confirmed that people with facial paralysis experience stigma, but it also confirmed that people often rely on a combination of communication channels to perceive emotions, Bogart said.

"It's not all about the face," Bogart said. "Studies like this tell us more about the way people communicate, verbally and non-verbally." 

The study has been published in the journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology.