Which theory states that facial muscle changes cue our emotions?

• A. James-Lange theory
• B. Facial feedback theory
• C. Cannon-Bard theory
• D. Schachter-Singer two-factor theory

Answer: (B)

Facial feedback theory says the movements of our facial muscles send signals to the brain that help shape how we feel. When we smile, the facial muscles provide feedback that aligns with happiness, often making the emotion feel stronger; when we tense or frown, the feedback can amplify negative feelings. This idea is supported by simple experiments where people forced to smile find things funnier, or where blocking facial movements reduces emotional intensity. It’s different from other theories: Cannon-Bard proposes emotion and bodily responses occur simultaneously and independently; Schachter-Singer emphasizes interpreting physiological arousal with a cognitive label; James-Lange suggests emotions arise from bodily changes in general, not specifically from facial muscle feedback. So, the theory that facial muscle changes cue our emotions is facial feedback theory.