Micro Expressions: Not Really Micro!

Microexpressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that occur in response to specific emotions experienced by an individual. These fleeting expressions, lasting only 1/25 to 1/15 of a second, were discovered by psychologists Haggard and Isaacs in the 1960s. Later, in the 1970s, psychologists Paul Ekman and Wallace V. Friesen further developed the concept, describing microexpressions as "brief, involuntary facial expressions shown on the face of humans according to emotions experienced."

Microexpressions occur when a person is either deliberately or unconsciously concealing a feeling. Psychologists Haggard and Isaacs first discovered them in the 1960s. Later, psychologist Paul Ekman expanded this work by defining seven universal microexpressions corresponding to seven universal emotions. Here they are:

1. Happiness: This microexpression features raised cheeks, crow's feet near the eyes, and a wide, open mouth. The eyes may also close during intense moments of joy.

2. Sadness: This is characterised by drooping eyelids, a loss of eye focus, downturned lips, and a pulling down of the corners.

3. Disgust: In extreme cases, this expression involves nose wrinkling, upper lip raising, and lower lip raising.

4. Surprise: The eyebrows raise, the eyes widen, and the mouth opens slightly.

5. Fear: This involves raised eyebrows, widened eyes, tensed lower eyelids, and a slightly open mouth. This is sometimes mistaken for surprise, but it generally carries more tension.

6. Anger: This includes lowered brows in a hard stare, narrowed eyes, tensed eyelids, and lips pressed firmly together. The lips might also part slightly, with the teeth clenched.

7. Contempt/Disdain: This is the only asymmetric expression among the seven. It is characterised by one corner of the lip pulling up and back.

Each microexpression is like a brief flash of an individual's true feelings. They happen involuntarily and are almost impossible to control or fake. That's why they're often used in psychological studies, law enforcement, and poker games to determine what someone feels.

The Science Behind Microexpressions

Microexpressions are thought to be tied to our evolutionary past, where quick emotional responses and their recognition were vital for survival. Neurologically, they're linked to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for our emotional responses. When we experience strong emotions, the amygdala triggers a response manifested as a microexpression.

Interestingly, because microexpressions are involuntary and almost instantaneous, they're considered a reliable—though not foolproof—indicator of a person's true feelings, even when the person tries to hide those feelings. This is why they're often used in forensic psychology and law enforcement.

Importance in Life and Success

Recognising and interpreting microexpressions can be a powerful tool for enhancing interpersonal communication and relationships. They can:

1. Improve Understanding: By recognising the microexpressions of others, we can gain insight into their true feelings and thoughts, leading to better empathy and understanding.
2. Facilitate Communication: Awareness of our microexpressions can help us become more conscious of our emotions, aiding in self-expression and communication.
3. Detect Deception: Since microexpressions can betray a person's true feelings, they can be useful in detecting deception or concealed emotions.

Dr Ekman's extensive research on microexpressions has identified seven universal microexpressions: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise, and contempt. These are recognised across diverse cultures, suggesting basic human emotions' common, evolutionary origin.

Recent research continues to uncover fascinating aspects of microexpressions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior (2021) demonstrated that micro-expression recognition training improved individuals' ability to detect subtle emotional cues.

Experiments and Findings

One of the most famous experiments in this field involved Paul Ekman and Wallace Friesen's cross-cultural study of the Fore tribe in Papua New Guinea. Despite the tribe's isolation from Western culture, they recognised and displayed the same universal microexpressions, providing evidence for the universality of these brief emotional expressions.

In another experiment published in the journal "Emotion" (2018), researchers found that people were more likely to trust those who displayed genuine microexpressions that matched their words, further highlighting the role of microexpressions in social interaction and perception.

Facts

While most people associate microexpressions with the face, research suggests they can also occur in body language. These "micromovements" or "micro gestures" can provide additional clues to a person's feelings and intentions.

Although microexpressions are universal, cultural norms and personal habits can influence how often individuals display or suppress these quick emotional signals.

In conclusion, while the study of microexpressions is a complex and evolving field, their impact on our communication and understanding of others is undeniable. As we learn more about these subtle cues, we may find new ways to enhance our interpersonal interactions, foster empathy, and navigate our social world more effectively.

Let’s Delve Deeper into the Insights of Micro Expressions

Known Insights

1. Universality: Microexpressions are universal across cultures. This was proven in studies by Paul Ekman, who visited the Fore tribe in Papua New Guinea in the 1960s. Despite the tribe's isolation from the Western world, they recognised and displayed the same universal micro-expressions that Ekman had identified in his previous research. This suggested that micro expressions are a human universal, not a culturally learned behaviour.
2. Involuntary Nature: Microexpressions occur involuntarily and without conscious effort. For instance, when someone tries to conceal their disgust about something, a quick upper lip curl might give them away. The micro-expression can leak their true feelings even if they maintain a polite smile.
3. Briefness: Micro expressions are extremely brief, typically lasting between 1/25 to 1/15 of a second. They're so fleeting that they can be easily missed in normal conversation. To put this into context, a microexpression could occur several times over when it takes to blink (about 400 milliseconds).
4. Emotions Involved: Seven universal emotions have specific microexpressions associated with them: happiness, sadness, fear, surprise, anger, disgust, and contempt. For instance, a flash of widened eyes could indicate surprise, while a quick furrowing of the brow might signal confusion or anger.

Lesser-known Insights

1. Training in Micro Expression Recognition: It's possible to improve your ability to recognise microexpressions through training. In a study conducted by Matsumoto and Hwang (2011), participants who underwent training showed a significant improvement in their ability to recognise microexpressions. This skill can be particularly valuable in professions such as law enforcement, psychology, and even poker playing!
2. Influence on Trust: According to a study published in "Emotion" (2018), people were likelier to trust those whose micro expressions matched their spoken words. For example, if someone said they were happy about a situation while their face showed a genuine smile, they were perceived as more trustworthy.
3. Connection to Deception: Microexpressions can be useful in detecting deception, as they can reveal concealed emotions. For instance, if a person claims to be fine, but their face briefly flashes a microexpression of sadness, it could suggest that they're not being entirely truthful about their feelings.

Relatively Unknown Insights

1. Microexpressions and Autism: Some research indicates that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may struggle to recognise microexpressions. This could contribute to the social communication difficulties often associated with the condition.
2. Influence of Culture and Social Norms: Although microexpressions are universal, cultural and social norms can influence their frequency and intensity. For example, in Japanese culture, which values emotional restraint, people might subconsciously suppress the display of microexpressions more frequently than in more expressive cultures.
3. Microexpressions in Body Language: Microexpressions are not just limited to the face; they can also manifest as "micro gestures" in body language. For instance, a quick defensive crossing of arms or a brief self-comforting touch can provide additional insight into a person's emotional state.
4. Microexpressions and Mental Health: Emerging research suggests that recognising microexpressions may be linked with mental health. For instance, some studies have found that people suffering from depression may be more sensitive to microexpressions of sadness in others.
5. Microexpressions and Technology: Advancements in technology are opening up new avenues for microexpression research and application. Facial recognition software capable of detecting microexpressions is being developed, which could have far-reaching applications, from enhancing security procedures to creating more empathetic artificial intelligence. Understanding consumers' microexpressions in marketing could help businesses better gauge real-time reactions to their products or services.

6. Neuroscience of Microexpressions: The neurological basis of microexpressions remains a fascinating area of study. It's believed that the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre, plays a significant role in the production of microexpressions. For instance, when we experience a strong emotion like fear, the amygdala triggers a response that manifests as a microexpression. Neuroscientists are still unravelling the complexities of this process, and future discoveries could shed even more light on the fascinating interplay between our brains, emotions, and facial expressions.

In conclusion, microexpressions are a vital part of our nonverbal communication. Though they flash by in the blink of an eye, their impact on our interactions and relationships is immense. As we delve into this field, we may find new ways to enhance our understanding of each other, fostering deeper empathy and connection.