keywords:
group behaviour
computer science
psychology
machine learning
emotion
Emotions play a crucial role in social interactions, yet little is known about the effects of experiencing emotions together with others on expressed emotional valence and arousal. We compared changes in adults’ body posture when recalling experiences of positive and negative basic emotions (happiness & sadness) and social emotions (pride & shame), either jointly (dyadic condition) or by themselves (individual condition). To capture the dynamic unfolding of the emotional experience, we used a novel depth sensor imaging technique based on LiDAR- technology integrated in a commercial tablet. Adults (N = 80) displayed greater postural chest-height elevation and upper-body chest expansion (measuring valence) following positive compared to negative emotion recalls. Furthermore, participants showed more overall movement (measuring arousal) after positive compared to negative emotions, especially in the dyadic condition. These results suggest that recalling emotions together affects non-verbal expression of emotions, and we discuss our findings in light of recent advances in emotion science.
