Which concept states that facial expressions can influence the emotional experiences they signify?

• A. Facial Feedback Hypothesis
• B. Arousal
• C. Valence
• D. Polygraph

Answer: (A)

Facial expressions can shape how we feel. This is the facial feedback hypothesis—the idea that the movements of our facial muscles send signals to the brain that can amplify or even create the corresponding emotion. So, smiling can nudge you toward feeling happier, while a more lifeless or tense expression can intensify negative feelings. It’s a reminder that our body and mind influence each other in real time, not just reflect our mood.

This differs from arousal, which is about the overall level of physiological activation rather than how specific facial movements influence emotional experience. It also isn’t about valence, the positive–negative quality of an emotion, or about a polygraph, which measures physiological responses for lie-detection and not the feedback from facial muscles themselves.