Distinct facial expressions represent pain and pleasure across cultures.

ABSTRACT: Real-world studies show that the facial expressions produced during pain and orgasm-two different and intense affective experiences-are virtually indistinguishable. However, this finding is counterintuitive, because facial expressions are widely considered to be a powerful tool for social interaction. Consequently, debate continues as to whether the facial expressions of these extreme positive and negative affective states serve a communicative function. Here, we address this debate from a novel angle by modeling the mental representations of dynamic facial expressions of pain and orgasm in 40 observers in each of two cultures (Western, East Asian) using a data-driven method. Using a complementary approach of machine learning, an information-theoretic analysis, and a human perceptual discr

SUBMITTER: Chen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6205428 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature