Fischer, A., & Hess, U. (2017). Mimicking emotions Flashcards
What is facial mimicry and how does it relate to emotional communication and empathy?
Facial mimicry is the automatic and unconscious imitation of others’ facial expressions. It is related to emotional communication and empathy because it allows us to better understand and feel the emotions of others by mimicking their expressions and experiencing a similar emotional state.
How does facial mimicry differ from deliberate facial expressions?
Facial mimicry differs from deliberate facial expressions in that it is an automatic and often unconscious process that occurs even when we are not intentionally trying to mimic others. Deliberate facial expressions, on the other hand, are conscious and intentional attempts to convey a particular emotion or message.
What are some of the neural mechanisms involved in facial mimicry, and how are they linked to emotion perception and regulation?
Some of the neural mechanisms involved in facial mimicry include the mirror neuron system, which allows us to automatically imitate the actions and emotions of others, and the emotional contagion system, which allows us to experience similar emotions to those we observe in others. These mechanisms are linked to emotion perception and regulation because they allow us to understand and regulate our own emotions in response to the emotions of others.
What are the different functions of facial mimicry, according to Fischer and Hess?
According to Fischer and Hess, facial mimicry serves different functions, including enhancing emotional contagion and empathy, regulating emotional responses, and facilitating social bonding and affiliation.
How can the study of facial mimicry inform our understanding of social cognition, emotion regulation, and social behavior?
The study of facial mimicry can inform our understanding of social cognition, emotion regulation, and social behavior by highlighting the importance of nonverbal communication and empathy in social interactions. It can also help us develop more effective interventions for social and emotional disorders by targeting the mechanisms that underlie facial mimicry and emotional regulation.
What is the difference between emotional contagion and empathy, and how are they related to facial mimicry?
Emotional contagion is the automatic and unconscious process by which we “catch” the emotions of others through nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. Empathy, on the other hand, involves the cognitive and affective processes by which we understand and feel the emotions of others, and may include both emotional contagion and more deliberate cognitive processes. Facial mimicry is thought to play a role in both emotional contagion and empathy by allowing us to better understand and share the emotions of others through imitation.
What are some of the factors that can influence facial mimicry, and how do they affect emotional communication and regulation?
Factors that can influence facial mimicry include individual differences in empathy, social context and power dynamics, and cultural norms around emotional expression. For example, people may be more likely to mimic the expressions of others when they feel a sense of affiliation or connection, or when they are in a low-power or subordinate position. These factors can affect emotional communication and regulation by influencing the degree to which people are able to accurately perceive and respond to the emotions of others.
How might facial mimicry be related to social power dynamics and group identity, and what are some implications of this for intergroup relations and social conflict?
Facial mimicry may be related to social power dynamics and group identity in several ways. For example, people may be more likely to mimic the expressions of others within their own group or social category, and less likely to do so for out-group members. This can contribute to the formation of group identities and reinforce social boundaries. Additionally, facial mimicry may be influenced by power dynamics within social interactions, with individuals in higher-power positions being less likely to mimic the expressions of those in lower-power positions. This can affect the accuracy of emotional communication and lead to social conflict and misunderstandings.
How can researchers measure facial mimicry and what are some of the challenges involved in studying this phenomenon?
Researchers can measure facial mimicry using a variety of techniques, including electromyography (EMG) to measure facial muscle activity, facial recognition software to track facial movements, and behavioral coding of facial expressions. However, there are challenges involved in measuring facial mimicry, such as distinguishing between automatic and deliberate facial expressions and controlling for individual differences in facial morphology and muscle activity.
How might facial mimicry training be used to improve social and emotional functioning in individuals with social and emotional disorders, and what are some potential limitations of this approach?
Facial mimicry training may be used to improve social and emotional functioning in individuals with social and emotional disorders by enhancing their ability to accurately perceive and respond to the emotions of others. For example, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit from facial mimicry training to improve their social communication skills. However, there are potential limitations to this approach, such as the possibility that training may not generalize to real-world social interactions, or that it may have unintended negative effects on emotional regulation or self-esteem.
