No abstract

Facial expressions influence both affective and cardiovascular responses to stress. However, previous research focuses primarily on positive expressions and is limited regarding additional facial expressions utilized on a day‐to‐day basis. This study examined an expression that is colloquially called a “Game Face”: which refers to a serious, focused or determined facial expression. The current study examined whether Game Face expressions would influence psychophysiological response (e.g., heart rate and skin conductance) and performance. In an investigation of physical performance (Study 1), participants (N = 62) were asked to complete the cold‐pressor task. Study 2 tested cognitive performance utilizing a puzzle task. Participants (N = 62) were divided into two groups and were asked to complete a puzzle. In both studies, one group was asked to make a Game Face, and the other was given no instruction related to facial expression. Results show no significant differences in performance on the physical task. In terms of cognitive performance, results reveal significantly better performance in the Game Face group. Additionally, assessments of skin conductance show that participants, who employed the Game Face during the cognitive task, displayed significant decreases from baseline following the puzzle manipulation. These results are promising regarding performance on a cognitive task and sympathetic nervous system activation, in concert with making a Game Face.

Research shows the experience of awe is associated with a variety of benefits ranging from increased well-being and prosocial behavior to enhanced cognition. The adaptive purpose of awe, however, is elusive. In this article, we aim to show that the current framework used to conceptualize awe points towards higher-order cognition as the key adaptive function. This goes against past evolutionary positions that posit social benefits or unidimensional behavioral adaptations. In the second half of the article, we highlight a distinct cognitive advantage of awe. The literature connecting awe and cognition is surveyed and used to develop a view that situates awe as a critical component in the cognitive success of the human species.