American-Japanese Cultural Differences in the Recognition of Universal Facial Expressions

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Abstract
Although the universal recognition of facial expressions of emotion is well documented, few studies have examined how cultures differ in the degree to which they perceive the universal emotions accurately. In this study, American and Japanese judges viewed expressions of six universal emotions posed by both Caucasian and Japanese males and females. In addition, all photos met external criteria for validly and reliably portraying the emotions. Subjects judged which emotions were portrayed and how intensely they were expressed. Results indicated substantial and consistent differences according to the culture of the judges and the emotion portrayed. These findings are discussed in terms of stable cultural dimensions that may influence the perception of emotion.

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