Which aspect of emotional experience is least emphasized in the facial-feedback hypothesis?

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Get ready for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Exam. Practice with hints and explanations to improve your understanding. Master your exam preparation today!

The facial-feedback hypothesis primarily suggests that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences. This theory posits that the act of forming a facial expression can lead to the corresponding emotion being felt. For instance, smiling can actually make a person feel happier, and frowning can enhance feelings of sadness.

In this context, the least emphasized aspect is the role of cognitive appraisal in emotions. Cognitive appraisal refers to the evaluation and interpretation of a situation that influences emotional response. While appraisal might be acknowledged, the facial-feedback hypothesis primarily focuses on the direct connection between facial expressions and emotional states rather than the cognitive processes that mediate feelings.

Other aspects, such as physiological responses, environmental factors, and social context, are more closely related to how emotions are expressed and influenced through facial feedback. The hypothesis doesn't extensively delve into how these factors might modify or mediate emotional experiences, making cognitive appraisal the least emphasized in this specific theory.