According to the facial-feedback hypothesis, which factor is involved in the causal relationship between emotions and facial expressions?

The facial-feedback hypothesis posits that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences. In other words, when people adopt specific facial expressions, they may actually start to feel emotions corresponding to those expressions. For instance, smiling can lead to a feeling of happiness, whereas frowning may contribute to feelings of sadness or anger.

Facial expressions are integral to this hypothesis because they serve as the mechanism through which emotions are impacted. By changing one’s facial expressions intentionally, individuals can potentially alter their emotional states. This concept underscores the close connection between emotional experiences and the physical representations of those emotions on our faces. The intricate relationship suggests that not only do emotions lead to expressions, but expressions can also lead to emotional states, reinforcing the idea that our facial feedback plays a significant role in the emotional experience.