An article by Abigail Zugar in the Science Section of the NYTimes (2/27/13) discusses a new book, Face of Emotion, by Dr. Eric Finzi. He describes research, including his own, that supports the old notion (of Norman Cousins and others) that “facial expressions are not just the outward expressions of emotion, but vital links in the unconscious neurological processes that create emotion.” In other words, that smiling enhances the feeling of happiness, as frowning enhances the feelings of sadness and anger. This proposition, known as the “facial feed back hypothesis” appears to be supported by research showing that Botox injections into the forehead (paralyzing the frown-producing muscles) seem to “inhibit activation of the amygdala, the brain structure thought to regulate all gut-wrenching emotion.” In other words, Botox in the brow may work to diminish intense feelings of anger and depression. Finzi suggests that Botox injections may one day diminish heart disease and cancer. Sounds a bit crazy, but Dr. Zuger is keeping an open mind.

I am intrigued by the counter-intuitive nature of the suppositions: that putting on a happy face can make you feel happier. Does this mean that people who pretend to have a good time–like at New Year’s Eve–actually do enjoy themselves more or that encouraging someone, despite your own skepticism, actually makes you feel more hopeful for them? I can almost believe it.