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Chapter 8 - Conscious and Unconscious Emotion Communication in Intergenerational Interaction

from Part III - Impact of Aging Cues on First Impressions and Emotion Communication

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2023

By
Ursula Hess
Edited by
Ursula Hess ,
Reginald B. Adams, Jr.  and
Robert E. Kleck
Ursula Hess
Affiliation:
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Reginald B. Adams, Jr.
Affiliation:
Pennsylvania State University
Robert E. Kleck
Affiliation:
Dartmouth College, New Hampshire
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Summary

Many everyday situations involve emotion communication – be it only a friendly smile by a cashier or a quick frown to indicate that we are puzzled by a request. Hence the proper signaling and understanding of emotions is of major importance for smooth, pleasant interactions. However, not only the understanding of others’ emotions but also the reaction to these perceived emotions is of importance. One such reaction is emotional mimicry – the imitation of the emotional expressions of others. Notably, emotional mimicry fosters affiliation, whereas interactions without mimicry are often perceived as cold and strained. The present chapter discusses the influence of (facial) aging on emotion recognition and emotional mimicry.

Keywords

Emotion CommunicationEmotion RecognitionFacial Mimicry
Type
Chapter
Information
Emotion Communication by the Aging Face and Body
A Multidisciplinary View
 , pp. 197 - 214
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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