Facial mimicry is not necessary to recognize emotion: Facial expression recognition by people with Moebius syndrome

摘要: According to the reverse simulation model of embodied theory, we recognize others' emotions by subtly mimicking their expressions, which allows us feel corresponding emotion through facial feedback. Previous studies examining whether mimicry is necessary for expression recognition were limited potentially distracting manipulations intended artificially restrict or very small samples people with paralysis. We addressed these limitations collecting largest sample date Moebius syndrome, a condition characterized congenital bilateral In this Internet-based study, 37 adults syndrome and matched control participants completed task. People did not differ from group normative data in accuracy, accuracy was related extent ability produce expressions. Our results do support hypothesis that recognition.