Facial Microexpressions: The Science of Reading Emotions

Facial microexpressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal a person's true emotions. They occur within a fraction of a second and are universal across cultures. These microexpressions are often difficult to detect, but with training, anyone can learn to spot them.

What are Microexpressions?

Microexpressions are facial expressions that occur within a fraction of a second. They are involuntary and often reveal a person's true emotions. These expressions are universal across cultures and can be difficult to detect. They can occur on various regions of the face and are often fleeting, lasting only a fraction of a second.

How to Read Microexpressions:

Reading microexpressions is like granting yourself a superpower. Knowing how to read faces is one of the most essential people skills everyone should know. Researchers have found that if you make the facial expression, you also begin feeling the emotion yourself. Emotions not only cause facial expressions, but facial expressions also cause emotions.

There are seven universal microexpressions: surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness, sadness, and contempt. Each microexpression has its own unique set of facial cues that can be difficult to detect. For example, the surprise microexpression is characterized by raised eyebrows, horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, and opened eyelids.

The Importance of Microexpressions:

Microexpressions are important because they can reveal a person's true emotions, even when they are trying to hide them. They can be used in a variety of scenarios, from security interviews and interrogations to media analysis. They can also be used in photography to capture more expressive portraits.

Capturing Microexpressions in Photography:

Capturing microexpressions in photography can create more expressive portraits. UK female brand photographer Magdalena Smolarska says that managing her clients' microexpressions on portrait photoshoots is her secret to creating expressive brand photos[1]. By capturing these fleeting expressions, photographers can create more authentic and emotional images.

Microexpression Training:

Microexpression training is the process of learning to detect and interpret microexpressions. It involves learning the seven universal microexpressions and their associated facial cues. The Science of People website offers a comprehensive guide to reading microexpressions, including videos and exercises to help you practice[2]. The Orlando Science Center also offers tips on how to practice recognizing microexpressions, including relaxing your face and observing your neutral expression[3].

The Science Behind Microexpressions:

Microexpressions are the result of a voluntary and involuntary emotional response occurring simultaneously and conflicting with one another[4]. They occur when the amygdala responds appropriately to the stimuli that the individual experiences and the individual wishes to conceal this specific emotion. Microexpressions express the seven universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, contempt, and surprise. In the 1990s, Paul Ekman expanded his list of emotions, including a range of positive and negative emotions not all of which are encoded in facial muscles[4].

Machine Learning and Microexpressions:

Machine learning can be used to detect microexpressions and reveal true emotions. Researchers at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University developed a machine learning approach to detect microexpressions in interviews and media analysis[5]. While human interviewers can learn to read faces with specialized training, such training can be costly and time-consuming. Machine learning offers a promising alternative for detecting microexpressions.

Conclusion:

Facial microexpressions are a fascinating aspect of human behavior. They reveal our true emotions and can be used to detect deception or to create more expressive portraits. With training, anyone can learn to spot these fleeting expressions and gain a deeper understanding of the people around them. Whether you are a photographer, a security professional, or just someone interested in people skills, learning to read microexpressions can be a valuable tool.

Sources

[1] Capturing facial microexpressions is my secret to create expressive portrait brand photos - UK Sussex female photographer - Magdalena Smolarska https://www.magdalenasmolarska.com/blog/capturing-facial-microexpressions-is-my-secret-to-create-expressive-portrait-brand-photos-uk-sussex-female-photographer

[2] The Definitive Guide to Reading Microexpressions (Facial Expressions) - Science of People https://www.scienceofpeople.com/microexpressions/

[3] Microexpressions: A Universal Language You Wear on Your Face - Orlando Science Center https://www.osc.org/microexpressions-universal-language/

[4] Microexpression - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microexpression

[5] Revealing True Emotions Through Micro-Expressions: A Machine Learning Approach https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/blog/revealing-true-emotions-through-micro-expressions-a-machine-learning-approach/

ARFID: Understanding and Overcoming Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new eating disorder that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not driven by body image issues or a desire to lose weight. Instead, it is characterized by a persistent and often extreme avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups, leading to significant nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, and impaired social functioning.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is a complex eating disorder that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is often described as being a form of "extreme picky eating," but it goes beyond that. People with ARFID may avoid certain foods because of their texture, taste, smell, or appearance, or because of a fear of choking, vomiting, or other negative consequences. They may also have sensory issues that make it difficult to tolerate certain textures or flavors. In some cases, ARFID may be related to a traumatic experience, such as choking or food poisoning.

Symptoms of ARFID:

The symptoms of ARFID can vary widely from person to person, but they generally include:

- Avoidance or restriction of certain foods or food groups

- Significant weight loss or failure to gain weight

- Nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia or low bone density

- Impaired social functioning, such as avoiding social situations that involve food

- Anxiety or fear related to eating or trying new foods

- Sensory issues, such as gagging or vomiting in response to certain textures or flavors

Treatment for ARFID:

Treatment for ARFID typically involves a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. The first step is to address any underlying medical issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or gastrointestinal problems. Nutritional counseling is also important to help people with ARFID learn how to eat a balanced and varied diet.

Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be helpful in treating ARFID. CBT focuses on changing the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the disorder, such as fear of certain foods or anxiety related to eating in public. Exposure therapy, which involves gradually introducing feared foods in a safe and supportive environment, can also be effective.

Overcoming ARFID:

Overcoming ARFID is a challenging but achievable goal. With the right treatment and support, people with ARFID can learn to expand their food choices, improve their nutritional status, and enjoy social situations that involve food. It is important to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional who has experience in treating eating disorders, as well as to build a strong support system of family and friends who can provide encouragement and understanding.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ARFID, know that you are not alone. With the right help and support, it is possible to overcome this disorder and live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Sources

[1] ARFID Blog - My Food Fear https://www.myfoodfear.com/arfid-blog/

[2] Blog | arfid - Wix.com https://stephanieelliot.wixsite.com/arfid/blog

[3] What I've Learned About My Daughter's ARFID Disorder - Ability Innovations https://abilityinnovations.com/blog/arfid-disorder

[4] An eating disorder called what? | ARFID Blog - Christine Hayes https://www.christinehayes.org/arfid-treatment-blog

[5] ARFID: When It's More Than Just Picky Eating - Triad Moms on Main https://triadmomsonmain.com/my-blog/arfid-when-its-more-than-just-picky-eating/

Learning Microexpressions: A Comprehensive Guide

Microexpressions are brief, involuntary facial expressions that humans make when experiencing an emotion. They usually last between 0.5 and 4 seconds and cannot be faked[1]. Learning to read microexpressions can be a valuable skill in many areas of life, from job interviews to sales negotiations. Here is a comprehensive guide to learning microexpressions:

What are Microexpressions?

Microexpressions are the result of a voluntary and an involuntary emotional response occurring simultaneously and conflicting with one another. They occur when the amygdala responds appropriately to the stimuli that the individual experiences, and the individual wishes to conceal this specific emotion. This results in the individual very briefly displaying their true emotions followed by a false emotional reaction[2]. Microexpressions express the seven universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, contempt, and surprise[2].

Microexpression Training:

Microexpression training is the process of learning to recognize and control your own microexpressions. When you know microexpressions, you’ll be able to appear more confident in meetings, during job interviews, and sales negotiations[1]. Microexpression training involves learning to read microexpressions in others and having control of your own. By learning the microexpressions of others and having control of our own, we have greater control of our own life[1].

How to Read Microexpressions:

Reading microexpressions involves paying close attention to the subtle changes in facial expressions that occur within a fraction of a second. Microexpressions can be difficult to detect, but with practice, it is possible to become proficient at recognizing them[3]. Here are some tips for reading microexpressions:

- Pay attention to the eyes, mouth, and eyebrows

- Look for subtle changes in facial expressions

- Observe the context of the situation

- Practice, practice, practice

Why are Microexpressions Important?

Microexpressions occur in everyone, often without their knowledge. There is no way to prevent them from occurring. Learning to detect this leakage is critical for emotional intelligence and deception detection[3]. By learning to read microexpressions, you can gain insight into the emotions of others and improve your communication skills.

Microexpressions Training Resources:

There are many resources available for learning microexpressions, including books, online courses, and videos. Here are some resources to get you started:

- The Definitive Guide to Reading Facial Microexpressions by Science of People[1]

- Micro Expressions | Facial Expressions by Paul Ekman[3]

- Micro Expressions Training like in Lie To Me by Center for Body Language[4]

- Understanding Emotions Through Facial Expressions by Verywell Mind[5]

Conclusion:

In conclusion, learning microexpressions can be a valuable skill in many areas of life. By understanding what microexpressions are, how to read them, and why they are important, you can gain insight into the emotions of others and improve your communication skills. With practice and the right resources, anyone can learn to read microexpressions.

Sources:

[1] The Definitive Guide to Reading Facial Microexpressions https://www.scienceofpeople.com/microexpressions/

[2] Microexpression https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microexpression

[3] Micro Expressions | Facial Expressions https://www.paulekman.com/resources/micro-expressions/

[4] Micro Expressions Training like in Lie To Me - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGhOuA3rr1k

[5] Reading Facial Expressions: 7 Expressions, Interpret Them https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-emotions-through-facial-expressions-3024851