Facial Paralysis Reveals Misunderstandings With Symptoms of The Disability

Research shows that a blank stare may mean more than distant thoughts. Lack of facial expressions could actually be a sign of unhappiness.

Recent findings published in the journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology show that facial paralysis may reveal how some simply can't communicate in the language of facial expression.

"People are more wary and more likely to form a negative impression of someone with a disability," said lead study author Kathleen Bogart, an assistant professor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University, in a news release. "Identifying that stigma is the first step to addressing it. "Facial paralysis is highly visible. Everyone notices there's a difference, but people have no idea why. They don't understand the nature of the condition."

These findings reiterate important roles on how the face plays an essential part in everyday communication. For instance, the smile is universally communicated across all cultures as a sign of happiness and welcomed friendliness. However, those with facial paralysis or facial movement disorders may not be able to properly move their facial muscles to exhibit this form of communication or other commonly used notions to exhibit certain feelings. 

"It's not all about the face," Bogart concluded. "Studies like this tell us more about the way people communicate, verbally and non-verbally."