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You are having a bad day, and you feel rather depressed. According to the facial feedback hypothesis, how can you improve your mood?

a) By engaging in physical exercise
b) By listening to cheerful music
c) By talking to a friend
d) By forcing a smile or laughter

1 Answer

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Final answer:

To improve mood according to the facial feedback hypothesis, an individual can try forcing a smile or laughter, as facial expressions can influence emotional experience. the correct option is d) By forcing a smile or laughter

Step-by-step explanation:

The facial feedback hypothesis:

According to the facial feedback hypothesis, you can improve your mood by d) forcing a smile or laughter. The hypothesis suggests that emotional experiences can be influenced by our facial expressions. Research has indicated that even the suppression of facial emotion expressions can modulate the intensity of emotions felt. For example, people who received Botox injections to paralyze frowning muscles reported a decrease in depression symptoms.

In contrast, having more intense facial expressions, like a broad smile instead of a slight one, can amplify the happiness felt in response to positive events. Therefore, by smiling or laughing, you may be able to create a positive change in your emotional state. Additionally, engaging in physical exercise can also help improve your mood. Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones, thus promoting feelings of well-being and happiness.

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