Why Smile?: The Science Behind Facial Expressions

LaFrance, Marianne

ISBN 10: 0393344223 / ISBN 13: 9780393344226

Published by W. W. Norton & Company (edition 1), 2013

About this Item

The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.

Seller Inventory # 0393344223-7-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Why Smile?: The Science Behind Facial Expressions
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (edition 1)
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0393344223
• ISBN 13: 9780393344226
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1.
• Condition: Fair

About this title

Synopsis

“A charming, thoughtful book, one that makes a powerful case for smiles as ‘social acts with consequences.’ ”―Boston Sunday Globe

When someone smiles, the effects are often positive: a glum mood lifts; an apology is accepted; a deal is struck; a flirtation begins. But change the circumstances or the cast of a smile, and the terms shift: a rival grins to get under your skin; a bully’s smirk unsettles his mark. Marianne LaFrance, called the world’s expert on smiles, investigates the familiar grin and finds that it is not quite as simple as it first appears. LaFrance shows how the smile says much more than we realize―or care to admit: not just cheerful expressions, smiles are social acts with serious consequences.

Drawing on her research conducted at Yale University and Boston College as well as the latest studies in psychology, medicine, anthropology, biology, and computer science, LaFrance explores the compelling science behind the smile. Who shows more fake smiles, popular kids or unpopular kids? Is it good or bad when a bereaved person smiles? These are some of the questions answered in this groundbreaking and insightful work. To read it is to learn just how much the smile influences our lives and our relationships. 38 illustrations

About the Author

Marianne LaFrance received her PhD from Boston University. She is now a professor at Yale University, and her research has been featured in media outlets such as NPR, the BBC, and the New York Times. She lives in Guilford, Connecticut.