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Multicenter Study
. 2022 Dec;6(12):1731-1742.
doi: 10.1038/s41562-022-01458-9. Epub 2022 Oct 20.

A multi-lab test of the facial feedback hypothesis by the Many Smiles Collaboration

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Multicenter Study

A multi-lab test of the facial feedback hypothesis by the Many Smiles Collaboration

Nicholas A Coles et al. Nat Hum Behav. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Following theories of emotional embodiment, the facial feedback hypothesis suggests that individuals' subjective experiences of emotion are influenced by their facial expressions. However, evidence for this hypothesis has been mixed. We thus formed a global adversarial collaboration and carried out a preregistered, multicentre study designed to specify and test the conditions that should most reliably produce facial feedback effects. Data from n = 3,878 participants spanning 19 countries indicated that a facial mimicry and voluntary facial action task could both amplify and initiate feelings of happiness. However, evidence of facial feedback effects was less conclusive when facial feedback was manipulated unobtrusively via a pen-in-mouth task.

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