Final answer:
Cross-cultural studies show that certain facial expressions are universally associated with specific emotions, supporting the concept of seven basic emotions with distinct facial cues. These expressions are innate, although cultural norms can influence their display. The facial feedback hypothesis also reveals that our facial expressions can affect our emotional experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cross-cultural studies of facial expressions have determined that the ability to produce and recognize facial expressions of emotions is a universal aspect of human behavior. Paul Ekman's research, including studies with people from preliterate cultures using stone implements, have shown that there are seven universal emotions: happiness, surprise, sadness, fright, disgust, contempt, and anger, all with corresponding facial expressions. Ekman's findings are bolstered by evidence from other studies involving individuals such as congenitally blind people and even suggest genetic underpinnings of emotional expression. Cultural differences do exist in the display rules governing the expression of emotions, and the facial feedback hypothesis further suggests that our facial expressions can influence our emotional experiences.
Studies exploring the facial feedback hypothesis, such as those that used Botox injections to paralyze facial muscles, have found that facial expressions can modulate our emotional reactions. For example, a person's emotional experience can be changed based on the intensities of their facial expressions—smiling broadly can make one feel happier about something minor as opposed to a small smile. Additionally, cross-cultural research also explores gender differences in emotional processing, suggesting that men and women may exhibit different emotional regulation behaviors.