The Facial Feedback Hypothesis

The Facial Feedback Hypothesis suggests that our facial expressions can influence our emotions. In other words, the way we hold or move our facial muscles can actually affect how we feel. For example, smiling—even if it's forced—may lead to feelings of happiness, while frowning might make us feel more upset. This idea highlights a two-way connection between our facial expressions and emotional state, implying that our expressions are not only a reflection of how we feel but can also help shape those feelings.