Facial expressions and personality: A kinematical investigation during an emotion induction experiment

Background/Aims: In order to elucidate the relationship between
personality traits and expression of positive emotions in healthy
volunteers, standardized personality inventories and kinematical
analysis of facial expressions can be helpful and were applied in
the present study. Methods: Markers fixed at distinct points of the
face emitting ultrasonic signals at high frequency gave a direct
measure of facial movements with high spatial-temporal resolution.
Forty-six healthy participants (mean age: 40.7 years; 20 males, 26
females) watching a witty movie ('Mr. Bean') were investigated.
Results: Speed of `laughing' was associated with higher scores on
Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale and NEO-FFI (Openness to
Experience). Conclusion: Kinematical analysis of facial expressions
seems to reflect sensation seeking and related personality styles.
Higher speed of facial movements in sensation seekers suggests
lowered serotonergic function. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG,
Basel.