Effects of positive and negative affect on electromyographic activity over <i>zygomaticus major</i> and <i>corrugator supercilii</i>

TLDR

Pleasant stimuli typically elicit greater EMG activity over zygomaticus major and less over corrugator supercilii than unpleasant stimuli. The authors systematically compared the form and strength of affective influences on EMG activity over zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii. Self‑reported positive and negative affect and facial EMG were recorded from 68 women while they viewed affective pictures, sounds, and words. The study found a stronger linear valence effect on corrugator supercilii than on zygomaticus major, and that positive and negative affect ratings produced reciprocal effects on corrugator supercilii but not on zygomaticus major.

Abstract

Abstract Pleasant stimuli typically elicit greater electromyographic (EMG) activity over zygomaticus major and less activity over corrugator supercilii than do unpleasant stimuli. To provide a systematic comparison of these 2 measures, the authors examined the relative form and strength of affective influences on activity over zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii . Self‐reported positive and negative affective reactions and facial EMG were collected as women ( n =68) were exposed to series of affective pictures, sounds, and words. Consistent with speculations based on known properties of the neurophysiology of the facial musculature, results revealed a stronger linear effect of valence on activity over corrugator supercilii versus zygomaticus major . In addition, positive and negative affect ratings indicated that positive and negative affect have reciprocal effects on activity over corrugator supercilii , but not zygomaticus major .