Are Facial Expressions Universal?

Facial expressions have been called the “universal language of emotion,” but people from different cultures perceive happy, sad or angry facial expressions in unique ways, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association...

​According to Apa.org...

Are facial expressions universal?

Let's put it to the test! Choose the word you associate with each of the following expressions.

Poll

Choose the the word that best describes this facial expression.

• Frustration

• Confusion

• Exhaustion

• Happiness

Poll

Choose the the word that best describes this facial expression.

• happy

• proud

• excited

• bored

Poll

Choose the the word that best describes this facial expression.

• Sadness

• Hopefulness

• Fear

• Indifference

Poll

Choose the the word that best describes this facial expression.

• Shock

• Surprise

• Fear

• Nervous

Poll

Choose the the word that best describes this facial expression.

• Anger

• Irritation

• Excitement

• Elation-- Like being overjoyed

Consider the results you just saw...

​why would we choose different words to describe our expressions?