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Emotional facial activation induced by unconsciously perceived dynamic facial expressions
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 03:04 authored by Jakob Kaiser, Graham C L Davey, Thomas Parkhouse, Jennifer Meeres, Ryan ScottRyan ScottDo facial expressions of emotion influence us when not consciously perceived? Methods to investigate this question have typically relied on brief presentation of static images. In contrast, real facial expressions are dynamic and unfold over several seconds. Recent studies demonstrate that gaze contingent crowding (GCC) can block awareness of dynamic expressions while still inducing behavioural priming effects. The current experiment tested for the first time whether dynamic facial expressions presented using this method can induce unconscious facial activation. Videos of dynamic happy and angry expressions were presented outside participants' conscious awareness while EMG measurements captured activation of the zygomaticus major (active when smiling) and the corrugator supercilii (active when frowning). Forced-choice classification of expressions confirmed they were not consciously perceived, while EMG revealed significant differential activation of facial muscles consistent with the expressions presented. This successful demonstration opens new avenues for research examining the unconscious emotional influences of facial expressions.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
International Journal of PsychophysiologyISSN
0167-8760Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
110Page range
207-211Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-09-22First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-07-23First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-09-22Usage metrics
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