Introduction
On instinct, many people believe that communication is simply characterized by verbal conversation. Most people agree that unless someone else shares what they are thinking, there is no way to know how another person is feeling. Yet body language says otherwise. By noting one’s body gestures, one can perceive how another person may be feeling. Body language not only depicts one’s feelings but it characterizes and individualizes people. In the many studies that have been conducted to further define and comprehend body language, it is said that, “more than 90% of our conveyed information depends on body language” (Body Language in Communication). The article analyzes both the psychology behind body language as well as common interpretations of specific facial expressions.
Science Behind Body Language
The science behind body language can be examined through many lenses. Research in neuroscience has highlighted how the brain interprets and reacts to cues from body language. From a neuroscience lens, research employing methods like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has demonstrated that body language perception and analysis stimulate brain areas related to social cognition and emotion processing. The prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal junction (TPJ) are two brain regions that are linked to social cognition. They are engaged in reading and drawing conclusions about the mental states of others based on their body language. These areas support theory of mind, which is the capacity to recognize other people have ideas, opinions, and goals that are different from one’s own.
Another interesting scientific factor to note are Mirror Neurons. Mirror neurons are a particular kind of brain cell that fire when someone does an action and when they see someone else perform the same action. These neurons are thought to be essential for comprehending and mimicking other people’s behaviors, including reading body language cues. Mirror neurons may have a role in empathy, social learning, and deciphering the intentions underlying the actions of others. Mirror neurons were first discovered in the 1990’s by Italian neuroscientists led by Giacomo Rizzolatti at the University of Parma. These neurons were first discovered firing in the premotor cortex in macaque monkeys when the animal carried out a particular action (such grasping an object) or saw another monkey carry out the same activity. Many neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and social anxiety disorder, have been linked to malfunctions in the mirror neuron system. Comprehending the function of mirror neurons in social cognition could provide valuable understanding of the fundamental mechanisms behind these disorders and guide the creation of remedial measures. Mirror neurons are believed to be essential for empathy because they allow people to mimic and comprehend the experiences of others. Mirror neurons fire when we watch someone else go through a feeling or act in a way that makes it possible for us to feel or comprehend what the other person is going through.
Parts of the Brain That Control Body Language
Understanding body language involves delving into the intricate workings of the brain. Several regions of the brain play essential roles in processing and interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture which collectively make up body language.
Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe, plays an integral role in regulating our thoughts, actions, and emotions. It is particularly important for executive function like decision-making, planning, and social behavior. Social cognition, which is the ability to effectively navigate social interactions by interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and body posture, is heavily reliant on the prefrontal cortex. Nonverbal cues convey intention, emotion, and attitude. The prefrontal cortex helps decode these cues, making it an essential component of understanding and responding appropriately in social situations. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex helps emotional regulation. The prefrontal cortex may inhibit impulsive or exaggerated gestures during moments of stress or excitement.
The Amygdala
Located within the temporal lobe, the amygdala is involved with processing emotions, distinctly fear and aggression. According to Goran Šimić, and colleagues, the amygdala detects “threats on an unconscious level and [regulate] behavioral and physiological responses” (Šimić et al). Thus, the amygdala has been keeping us from danger for thousands of years, and plays an important role in our ability to detect signs of discomfort, stress, or even friendliness in others. In fact, the amygdala activates the body’s fight-or-flight response which can lead to physiological responses as well. This includes increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and readiness to either confront the threat or escape it.
Mirror Neurons
Mirror Neurons are neurons located in the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain. They are responsible for essentially responding to actions that we observe in others. Interestingly, these mirror neurons fire in the same way when we recreate the action we observe ourselves in. In addition, these neurons are responsible for imitation and a plethora of other human behavior and thought processes (Acharya and Shukla). As a result of this imitation, we often interpret gestures, facial expressions, and body movements subconsciously, allowing us to truly understand nonverbal cues through learning new behaviors.
Fusiform Face Area (FFA)
The FFA is located in the temporal lobe, and specializes in facial recognition and processing facial expressions. When we see a familiar face, the FFA is automatically triggered to help identify the individual, discern their emotions, and therefore interpret their social cues through their facial expressions (Kanwisher and Yovel). This is important as facial expressions often complement and reinforce different nonverbal cues and ultimately help us read body language better.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum, located at the back of the head below the temporal and occipital lobes (“Brain Anatomy”), is often associated with motor coordination, but can also be associated with cognitive function and procedural learning. Additionally, it plays a primary rule in coordinating these voluntary movements, especially muscle activity, timing, and coordination to produce gestures, postures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues. This ensures that our body language can accurately convey our intended emotions and messages. Moreover, it plays a role in balance and posture which are key aspects of body language (Knierim). For instance, a confident and relaxed posture conveys openness, assertiveness, and engagement during social interactions.
Understanding Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are pivotal in human communication and offer immediate cues to a person’s emotions. Developed by psychologists Paul Ekman and Wallace V. Friesen in the 1970s, the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) method has been instrumental in the study of emotion, providing a basis for understanding how facial movements correlate with emotional states. According to FACS, genuine smiles, often called Duchenne smiles, involve not only the upward curving of the lips but also the crinkling of eyes, which indicate true happiness or pleasure. On the other hand, a smile without eye involvement may suggest politeness rather than genuine joy. For more information on using the FACS method, please click here.
Analyzing Posture
Posture can convey a wealth of information about a person’s confidence, openness, and current emotional state. An open posture, where the body is relaxed and facing another person, suggests comfort and openness to interaction. In contrast, a closed posture, with crossed arms or legs, might indicate defensiveness or resistance. Psychologists also note that posture can reflect power dynamics; individuals who adapt expansive postures (taking up more space) are often perceived as more powerful or dominant, compared to those who attempt to take up as little space as possible.
Observing Proxemics
Proxemics, the study of how people use space in communication, reveals much about social relationships and emotional states. Edward T. Hall, an American anthropologist, identified four zones of personal space: intimate, personal, social, and public. The distance people maintain from others can indicate their level of comfort, familiarity, or dominance. For example, closer distances are typically reserved for close friends and intimate partners, indicating trust and familiarity, while greater distances may suggest formality, discomfort, or a desire for separation. To uncover further details about the role of personal space in reading one’s inner state, please click here.
Conclusion
Making efforts to interpret others’ body language can increase your understanding and capacity of others feelings. Throughout the world, many languages are spoken, but body language is universal in that it is often expressing feelings left unspoken from words. Next time you are catching up with your friend, think of some of these postures and expressions to see what else your friend may be thinking of–but not saying. Efforts to understand your friend’s body language will make you more attentive and empathetic.
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