Feelings and contexts: socioecological influences on the nonverbal expression of emotion. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niedenthal, Paula M; Rychlowska, Magdalena; Wood, Adrienne
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 17(2017)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.07.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Highlights: Nonverbal displays of emotion are often sources of cross-cultural misunderstandings. Historical and present socio-ecological contexts can account for cross-cultural variation in emotional expression. The number of source countries to a nation's present population over the previous 500 years (i.e. historical heterogeneity) uniquely predicts expressivity norms and expressive behavior. Effects of historical heterogeneity are robust and replicable. Abstract : Despite their relative universality, nonverbal displays of emotion are often sources of cross-cultural misunderstandings. The present article considers the relevance of historical and present socio-ecological contexts, such as heterogeneity of long-history migration, pathogen prevalence, and residential mobility for cross-cultural variation in emotional expression. We review recent evidence linking these constructs to psychological processes and discuss how the findings are relevant to the nonverbal communication of emotion. We hold that socioecological variables, because of their specificity and tractability, provide a promising framework for explaining why different cultures developed varying modes of emotional expression.