With Botox, Looking Good and Feeling Less

This bit of research,recently reported in the New York Times is fascinating. Although the headline has Botox in it, the real issue is that Botox precludes the user of full control of facial muscles and thus facial expressions. This little fact has been exploited by many comedians, but what is being study here is how the lack of facial expressions can inhibit the person from determining the mood of others. Botox, though toxic on some levels, is not effecting the brain directly but in an indirect manner.

The toxin might interfere with “embodied cognition,” the way in which facial feedback helps people perceive emotion. According to the theory in the study, a listener unconsciously imitates another person’s expression. This mimicry then generates a signal from the person’s face to his or her brain. Finally, the signal enables the listener to understand the other person’s meaning or intention.

So, if someone you know has had Botox injections and you perceive them as aloof it may not be their attitude but literally the Botox.

Another reason not to fool with Mother Nature.

Dr. David Marcon
Work Smarter Not Harder!
Cincinnati, Ohio
www.drdavidmarcon.com