Final answer:
An impassive facial expression is a neutral or blank facial expression that does not display emotion, often used to mask one's feelings or due to cultural display rules. Research has indicated that the ability to produce and recognize facial expressions is universal and can affect our emotions. Body language and eye contact are other forms of nonverbal communication that work alongside facial expressions to convey emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
An impassive facial expression refers to a face that does not show any signs of emotion. It reflects a neutral or blank expression where the facial muscles are relatively inactive. This type of nonverbal communication can be interpreted in many ways depending on the context, such as a desire to hide feelings, a state of shock, or simply a default resting face.
In the field of nonverbal communication skills, the research by Paul Ekman has shown that certain facial expressions of emotion are universal, which includes emotions like happiness, surprise, sadness, and anger.
Despite cultural differences in display rules, the ability to produce and recognize these facial expressions is inherent in humans. Ekman's work supports Charles Darwin's earlier claims about the universality of emotional expressions.
Furthermore, the facial feedback hypothesis has suggested that our facial expressions can impact our emotional experiences. For instance, adopting a smiling expression can lead to a feeling of happiness, whereas a frown might contribute to a negative mood.
The importance of facial expressions is also underlined by their connection to other forms of nonverbal communication such as body language and eye contact, which convey emotional states and intentions without the use of words.