Spontaneous Facial Mimicry Is Enhanced by the Goal of Inferring Emotional States: Evidence for Moderation of "Automatic" Mimicry by Higher Cognitive Processes.

摘要: A number of studies have shown that individuals often spontaneously mimic the facial expressions others, a tendency known as mimicry. This has generally been considered reflex-like “automatic” response, but several recent degree mimicry may be moderated by contextual information. However, cognitive and motivational factors underlying moderation require further empirical investigation. In this study, we present evidence to which participants target’s depends on whether are motivated infer emotional state. first study show mimicry, assessed electromyography, occurs more frequently when specifically instructed state than given no instruction. second replicate effect using Facial Action Coding System likely emotion they asked state, rather make inferences about physical trait unrelated emotion. These results provide convergent explicit goal understanding affects perceiver, suggesting motor activities higher processes.