A study by the University of Wisconsin Madison (USA), shows that smiles meant to convey dominance are associated with “a spike in stress hormones” in their targets. Smiles intended as a reward, to reinforce behaviour, appear to physically buffer recipients against stress.
Researchers established three major types of smiles- the first meant to convey status, the second to show affiliation (communicate a bond and show you’re not a threat), and the third- reward (a beaming, toothy smile you would give someone to let them know they are making you happy).
For the study, the team stressed out male college students by giving them a series of imprompt speaking assignments judged by a fellow student. The speakers heart rates and levels of cortisol (a hormone associated with stress) were measured. If they received dominance smiles, which they would interpret as negative and critical, they felt more stress, and their cortisol went up and stayed up longer after their speech. If they received reward smiles, they reacted to that as approval, and it kept them from feeling as much stress and producing as much cortisol.
“Subtle differences in the way you make facial expressions while someone is talking to you can fundamentally change their experience, their body, and the way they feel you are evaluating them,” said researchers.
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