Cited by 1,640Face Recognition and PerceptionCultural Differences and ValuesEmotion and Mood Recognition

Is there universal recognition of emotion from facial expression? A review of the cross-cultural studies.

Russell, James A.·1994·Psychological Bulletin

Abstract

Emotions are universally recognized from facial expressions--or so it has been claimed. To support that claim, research has been carried out in various modern cultures and in cultures relatively isolated from Western influence. A review of the methods used in that research raises questions of its ecological, convergent, and internal validity. Forced-choice response format, within-subject design, preselected photographs of posed facial expressions, and other features of method are each problematic. When they are altered, less supportive or nonsupportive results occur. When they are combined, these method factors may help to shape the results. Facial expressions and emotion labels are probably associated, but the association may vary with culture and is loose enough to be consistent with various alternative accounts, 8 of which are discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1037/0033-2909.115.1.102

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Authors
Russell, J. A.
Affiliations
University of British Columbia (CA)
Corresponding author
Russell, James A.
Venue
Psychological Bulletin
Published
1994
Volume
115
Issue
1
Pages
102-141
ISSN
  • 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1455
OpenAlex
W1975238145
Cited by
1,640
References
168
Citations by year
2026: 39 · 2025: 49 · 2024: 58 · 2023: 73 · 2022: 76 · 2021: 77 · 2020: 65 · 2019: 107 · 2018: 80 · 2017: 78 · 2016: 82 · 2015: 72 · 2014: 67 · 2013: 77 · 2012: 66
FWCI
12.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Face Recognition and Perception
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Cultural Differences and Values
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Emotion and Mood Recognition
Keywords
facial expressions, emotion recognition, universal emotions, cross-cultural comparison, within-subjects design, ecological validity, convergent validity, internal validity, emotion labels, cultural variation in emotion
MeSH terms
Cross-Cultural Comparison, Discrimination, Psychological, Emotions, Facial Expression, Humans, Judgment, Research Design, Visual Perception

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