first and second authors contributed equally to this publication  AN showed Duchenne smiles for shorter durations than BN and HC participants. AN participants' Duchenne smiles were less intense than those of BN and HC. Reduced Duchenne smile was related to low BMI, and use of medication. Results provide further evidence of difficulties in emotion processing in AN. AbstractA large body of research has associated Eating Disorders with difficulties in socioemotional functioning and it has been argued that they may serve to maintain the illness. This study aimed to explore facial expressions of positive emotions in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) compared to healthy controls (HC), through an examination of the Duchenne smile (DS), which has been associated with feelings of enjoyment, amusement and happiness . Sixty participants (AN=20; BN=20; HC=20) were videotaped while watching a humorous film clip. The duration and intensity of DS were subsequently analysed using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) (Ekman and Friesen, 2003). Participants with AN displayed DS for shorter durations than BN and HC participants, and their DS had lower intensity. In the clinical groups, lower duration and intensity of DS were associated with lower BMI, and use of psychotropic medication.The study is the first to explore DS in people with eating disorders, providing further evidence of difficulties in the socio-emotional domain in people with AN.

Highlights The facial expression of women recovered from anorexia nervosa (REC) was studied. REC smiled more than acutely ill participants in response to a positive film. The facial expression of REC was similar to the healthy controls. Facial expressivity in REC was not related to depression or anxiety. AbstractPeople with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) display reduced facial expression of emotions.This study investigated the expression of positive affect in response to a film, examining Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles in 20 women who have recovered from AN (REC), 20 with acute AN and 20 healthy controls (HC). The results indicated that the REC group exhibited Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles with higher duration and intensity than the AN group, comparable to the HC group. The findings warrant longitudinal studies to confirm that reduced expressivity is linked to acute AN, ameliorating after recovery.