The Science of Smiling

Marital Survival Indicator

Marriage is often considered a joyous occasion, symbolizing the beginning of a lifetime commitment. However, the happiness experienced on the wedding day does not guarantee a successful and lasting marriage. In an attempt to understand the factors that contribute to marital stability, researchers conducted a study to determine if the intensity of smiles displayed by newly married couples could predict their likelihood of divorce.

Using a scale of one to ten, scientists evaluated the average intensity of smiles captured in wedding photos and established it as a baseline. The results revealed an intriguing correlation – couples who displayed less intense smiles in their wedding photos were found to be more likely to end up in divorce.

This study highlights the importance of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, in understanding the dynamics of relationships. While it is not a definitive predictor of marriage success or failure, the intensity of smiles could potentially serve as an indicator of underlying issues within a relationship. It emphasizes the need for further research and exploration into the complexities of human emotions and their impact on marital longevity.


Life Expectancy

A study conducted by scientists at Wayne State University explored the life expectancies of athletes in comparison to the general population. The researchers embarked on a project in 2009, analyzing photographs from the 1952 Baseball Register and classifying the smiles of the players. Taking into account various other factors, the study revealed that individuals who displayed Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles had a significantly higher probability of living to the age of 80, with an increase of up to 20 percentage points compared to those who did not smile.

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