Long-distance of transmission of facial affect signals

Abstract

This study examined the distance at which certain facial expression can transmit affect messages. A man and a woman assumed—facial expressions that were selected carefully to represent six affects. These expressions were shown in still photographs and in live portrayals to 49 observers who composed four groups which were 30, 35, 40, and 45 meters away from the stimuli. Photographs and live portrayals produced comparable results. Every observer was able to label the expressions accurately although accuracy declined as distance increased. Extrapolation from the data suggested that some messages may be sent far beyond the distances used in this study. These results raise important issues about the transmission of facial signals over distance and suggest that the face is a long-distance transmitter of affect signals.