| Sumario: | Previous research has shown that White people smile more in interracial interactions compared to same-race interactions. However, the morphological features of smiles in such interactions have not been investigated. We explored the duration and frequency of Duchenne smiling (activation of AU6) among White American college students (N = 92) in brief same-race and interracial dyadic interactions. Results revealed no difference between the conditions in non-Duchenne smiling (activation of AU12 only), however, women (but not men) in same-race interactions displayed Duchenne smiles significantly more frequently and for longer durations compared to those in interracial interactions. The difference was not explained by reduced positive affect or by differential goals (e.g., greater desire to be liked by one's partner) in same-race versus interracial interactions. However, the desire to be liked (vs. respected) by one's partner predicted the duration of Duchenne smiles in both types of interaction. Given people's preference for Duchenne smiles in general, and the sensitivity of racial minorities to Whites' smiles in particular, these findings suggest yet another way in which interracial interactions may induce discomfort in people of color.
|
|---|