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Smiling May Improve Mood and Health, Researchers Say
Researchers say smiling can lower stress hormones and improve recovery, while cultural norms shape when smiles feel authentic or appropriate.
- Regular smiling can improve mood and health, research reveals. Dr. Judy Ho, a Los Angeles clinical and forensic neuropsychologist at Pepperdine University, discusses smiling as a coping strategy that affects cortisol and stress levels.
- Studies support the 'facial feedback hypothesis,' suggesting physical changes like smiling can alter emotional states. Jeanne Tsai, a psychology professor at Stanford University, notes that smiling during tasks may reduce physiological stress responses.
- Cultural perceptions of smiles vary significantly. While some Americans view excited grins as friendlier, some East Asians characterize them as 'emotionally unstable,' Tsai said, illustrating that emotional values differ across cultures.
- Retailer Target faced backlash last year for mandating employee smiles and eye contact within 10 feet of customers. Nicholas Coles, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, says people dislike losing 'emotional autonomy.'
- Authenticity remains key to any benefit. Coles explains that smiling works best when 'authentic and voluntary,' while Ho suggests a smile can signal care in difficult conversations, serving as a personal interaction tool.
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Cracking a smile regularly may be good not just for your mood but for your health – WTOP News
Reminding yourself to smile often can not only make more friendships but it can also make you feel better. And rather than wait for a reason to smile, just making the physical change of literally turning that frown upside down could impact emotions, according to experts. Research backs up the fact that smiling goes a...
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left, 46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left, 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 46%
C 46%
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