The Importance and Psychology of Facial Expression

Lisa E Ishii; Jason C Nellis; Kofi Derek Boahene; Patrick Byrne; Masaru Ishii

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2018.07.001

The Importance and Psychology of Facial Expression

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018 Dec;51(6):1011-1017. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2018.07.001. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Authors

Lisa E Ishii¹, Jason C Nellis², Kofi Derek Boahene², Patrick Byrne², Masaru Ishii²

Affiliations

¹ Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: learnes2@jhmi.edu.
² Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

PMID: 30104039
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2018.07.001

Abstract

Facial expression is of critical importance in interpersonal interactions. Thus, patients with impaired facial expression due to facial paralysis experience impaired social interactions. Numerous studies have shown that patients with facial paralysis and impaired facial expression suffer social consequences as demonstrated by being rated negatively with regards to attractiveness, affect display, and other traits. This has been demonstrated subjectively and objectively. Fortunately, reconstructive surgeries that restore the ability to express emotion can restore normalcy in these patients.

Keywords: Facial expression; Facial paralysis; Psychological distress; Psychology; Psychosocial heath; Quality of life; Smile; Social perceptions.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Facial Expression*
Facial Paralysis / psychology*
Facial Paralysis / surgery*
Humans
Plastic Surgery Procedures
Quality of Life
Social Perception
Stress, Psychological