Understanding Multimodal Emotional Expressions

In this chapter we review recent advances in basic emotion theory, which holds that humans have evolved a limited set of emotional expressions that serve important communicative functions within social interactions. Our review highlights recent evidence showing that a much wider array of emotions than previously thought—up to 15—have distinct displays that are recognized across different cultures. The new science of expression reveals that new modalities—tactile communication and vocalization—likewise signal a variety of emotions. Our review also brings into focus how emotions may be signaled in specific modalities, and likely sources of cultural accents in emotional expression.