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Facial Expressions and Self-Reported Emotions When Viewing Nature Images

Author

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  • Marek Franěk

    (Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Jan Petružálek

    (Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Denis Šefara

    (Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Králové, Rokitanského 62, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated that exposure to simulated natural scenes has positive effects on emotions and reduces stress. In the present study, we investigated emotional facial expressions while viewing images of various types of natural environments. Both automated facial expression analysis by iMotions’ AFFDEX 8.1 software (iMotions, Copenhagen, Denmark) and self-reported emotions were analyzed. Attractive and unattractive natural images were used, representing either open or closed natural environments. The goal was to further understand the actual features and characteristics of natural scenes that could positively affect emotional states and to evaluate face reading technology to measure such effects. It was predicted that attractive natural scenes would evoke significantly higher levels of positive emotions than unattractive scenes. The results showed generally small values of emotional facial expressions while observing the images. The facial expression of joy was significantly higher than that of other registered emotions. Contrary to predictions, there was no difference between facial emotions while viewing attractive and unattractive scenes. However, the self-reported emotions evoked by the images showed significantly larger differences between specific categories of images in accordance with the predictions. The differences between the registered emotional facial expressions and self-reported emotions suggested that the participants more likely described images in terms of common stereotypes linked with the beauty of natural environments. This result might be an important finding for further methodological considerations.

Suggested Citation

  • Marek Franěk & Jan Petružálek & Denis Šefara, 2022. "Facial Expressions and Self-Reported Emotions When Viewing Nature Images," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:10588-:d:897125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wei, Hongxu & Hauer, Richard J. & He, Xingyuan, 2021. "A forest experience does not always evoke positive emotion: A pilot study on unconscious facial expressions using the face reading technology," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    2. Ping Liu & Mengnan Liu & Tingting Xia & Yutao Wang & Hongxu Wei, 2021. "Can Urban Forest Settings Evoke Positive Emotion? Evidence on Facial Expressions and Detection of Driving Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
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