Facial expressions, gaze and context

Facial expressions and gaze alone can’t tell you exactly how someone feels

A furrowed brow might be linked to concentration, the light, a headache, a question or dissatisfaction. Looking away from someone might be a way of thinking, a personal habit, a reaction to stress or a matter of individual or cultural comfort. Without more context, you can’t know which explanation applies.

A broad review of the research looked at whether specific patterns of facial movement reliably correspond to particular emotions. The authors highlight how much these patterns vary and how they depend on context. So a facial expression isn’t a simple code for identifying someone’s inner state. Barrett et al.: Emotional Expressions Reconsidered.

Research on gaze has found that cultural background can influence how people look at the eyes and mouth when viewing faces. This doesn’t let you predict an individual’s habits, but it does remind us that our own norms aren’t universal. So don’t require direct eye contact as proof of respect or honesty. Senju et al.: Cultural background modulates how we look at other persons’ gaze.

If you want to know how someone feels about something, ask without suggesting an answer: “What do you think of this idea?” or “Is there anything we need to change?” With children, you can offer a possible interpretation while leaving room for correction: “You look thoughtful. Is that right, or is something else going on?”