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Smiles Boost Trustworthiness, Study Finds

12/28/2025

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Story summary
  • Researchers from SWPS University and Humboldt University found that people mimic joy more readily than sadness or anger.
  • In three experiments, participants assessed the trustworthiness and attractiveness of faces expressing different emotions.
  • Smiling individuals were perceived as more trustworthy, especially among socially similar peers.
  • The paper, published in Emotion, shows facial expressions significantly influence character trait judgments and foster trust and positive social interactions.