Rapid Facial Reactions of Emotional Expressions as a Function of Trait Sadism
Abstract
Using electromyography (EMG), it has been shown that facial muscles imperceptibly mirror the facial expressions of others, a phenomenon referred to as rapid facial reactions (RFRs). It was previously believed to follow the direct-matching hypothesis, however several recent studies have demonstrated that context and individual differences may be influencing factors on RFRs. At the present, it is unclear to what extent RFRs can be modulated. In the present study, we propose to determine the effects of facial stimuli versus non-facial stimuli on RFRs through measuring the EMG response of participants with trait sadism. The participants observed dynamic facial expressions as well as images of limbs in painful situations to assess the specificity of this effect. We found that facial stimuli elicited congruent RFRs whereas the non-facial stimuli did not. This study will allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms of RFRs, which may inform further research on empathy.