I think the reality of this effect is likely to be quite nuanced. This large study (an adversarial collaboration) is probably the most convincing test I've seen so far of the facial feedback hypothesis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01458-9
Their conclusions also fit well with my intuitive understanding of what's happening. When I feel down, bringing a voluntary smile to my face makes me feel happier (often via some kind of happy memory activation), but smiling involuntarily (e.g. pen in mouth) makes me feel nothing.
Interested to hear any other thoughts you have on this.
I think the reality of this effect is likely to be quite nuanced. This large study (an adversarial collaboration) is probably the most convincing test I've seen so far of the facial feedback hypothesis: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-022-01458-9
Their conclusions also fit well with my intuitive understanding of what's happening. When I feel down, bringing a voluntary smile to my face makes me feel happier (often via some kind of happy memory activation), but smiling involuntarily (e.g. pen in mouth) makes me feel nothing.
Interested to hear any other thoughts you have on this.