The emotions of people who think they’re nice
What does ‘nice’ actually mean in relation to psychological variables? And does it positively correlate with self-reported levels of health, happiness, and wellbeing?
Read More arrow_forwardWe have written our fair share of blog posts about emotions, and what role they play in our daily life. Our face is often the best indicator for our emotional state, as our facial expressions can be observed by others and convey emotions without saying a word.
For researchers, emotions are fundamental in understanding human behavior, as they are a crucial part in non-verbal communication and a rich source of social signals.
6x Must-see TED Talks on emotions
Do you want a better understanding of emotions? We have put together a list of must-see TED Talks on emotions. Watch and learn!
Are there universal expressions of emotion?
Facial expressions are created with the help of muscle movements beneath the skin of the face. Back in the 60’s, the American psychologist Paul Ekman identified several core expressions, that we now identify as universal. These so-called universal expressions are: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust.
Since then, researchers have proposed additional mental states such as contempt, shame, and disapproval. These kind of mental states - or Custom Expressions - are essential in consumer research for instance, as they provide insights into user responses and buying behavior.
The concept of universal emotions
But do these expressions look the same and communicate the same meaning around the world, regardless of country and culture? Is one person's smile another's grimace? Sophie Zadeh investigates the concept of universal emotions in this TED-Ed, the youth and education initiative by TED.
Read this: SUKIPANI: The magic word for making a smile
Source: TED.com
Source: TED.com
Source: TED.com
“Emotions and logic do not oppose each other. They complement each other, and they reinforce each other.”
Dr. Ilona Stengel|Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Source: TED.com
Source: TED.com
The hidden power of smiling
And last but not least: did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you’ll live – and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Entrepreneur Ron Gutman reviews a number of studies about facial feedback and smiling, and reveals some surprising results.
Check out his TED Talk and learn more about and this evolutionarily contagious behavior.
