Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Lauren Meaux
Committee Member
Aurora Torres
Committee Member
Lisa Vangsness
Research Advisor
Lauren Meaux
Subject(s)
Facial expression, Affect (Psychology), Galvanic skin response, Stress (Psychology)--Testing
Abstract
This study explored the dynamics of facial expressions during stress. This 2 X 2 (Facial Expression by Task) mixed design evaluated how smiling and grimacing affected physiological and self-report measures of cognitive and social stress. The study implemented continuous monitoring of electrodermal activity (EDA). Facial expression was manipulated between-subjects as a genuine smile or grimace using chopsticks in the mouth. Task was manipulated as a counterbalanced within-subjects as a cognitive stressor using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and a social stressor using Cyberball. Time was analyzed as repeated measures of change from baseline of EDA. Participants provided ratings for the PSS-10, PANAS, IOS, and NTS. Results demonstrated that cognitive stress increased negative affect. It was also discovered that social relations were lower during social stress. Ultimately, stress and emotion may be activated in various ways.
Recommended Citation
Sorrells, Emily X., "Physiological effects of facial expressions during cognitive and social stress" (2024). Theses. 721.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/721