Facial expressions of emotions in twins

• Grant number: 20/08793-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2020
• End date: June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Agreement: Natura
• Principal Investigator: Emma Otta
• Grantee: Jonas Arantes Bueno
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50282-5 - Positive psychology and neuroscience: translational research to promote well-being and emotional regulation, AP.PCPE

Abstract

Hemispheric lateralization has been demonstrated in functions such as language and communication, with dominance of the left hemisphere. Emotions also seem to be lateralized, both in terms of expression and processing, but in this case it is the right hemisphere that plays a dominant role. Although facial expressions are universal, there are individual differences that can be considered facial expression signatures. The main goal of this research is to study similarities and differences in the facial expressions of adult monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, with special interest in asymmetries in left vs right hemiface in spontaneous expressions. Eighty seven pairs of twins watched videos intended to elicit joy, sadness and disgust. Video analysis will be done using FaceReader software, capable of distinguishing and evaluating the intensity of the basic expressions of emotion of each side of the participant's face. (AU)