Smiling is a universal language that can convey various emotions such as happiness, joy, and amusement. However, not all smiles are genuine. Some people force a smile, which is usually seen as a social norm or often used in the workplace.

The act of forcing a smile may seem harmless, but studies show that it can impact our emotions and well-being in the long run.

The Science of Smiling

Before diving into the effects of forced smiles on our emotions, it’s essential to understand the science of smiling.

A smile is a facial expression that uses the muscles around the mouth and eyes, and it’s often associated with positive emotions such as happiness, pleasure, and contentment. Smiling can also trigger the release of hormones such as endorphins and serotonin, which are known to reduce stress and improve mood.

Forced Smiles Versus Genuine Smiles

Not all smiles are created equal. There are genuine smiles that reflect a person’s inner emotions and forced smiles, which are usually displayed for social reasons.

Genuine smiles, also known as Duchenne smiles, involve the activation of the orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes and the zygomatic muscles around the mouth, creating a natural-looking smile. On the other hand, forced smiles are often done by tightening the lips without activating the muscles around the eyes, creating an awkward-looking smile.

How a Forced Smile Can Impact Our Emotions

Forced smiles can affect our emotions in different ways. For one, it can cause stress and anxiety, which can lead to long-term negative effects on our physical and mental health.

In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that people who forced a smile while performing a stressful task had a higher heart rate compared to those who displayed a genuine smile. The study suggests that forcing a smile can lead to a physiological response that requires more effort than a genuine smile. This extra effort can cause stress and anxiety, leading to a negative impact on our emotional well-being.

Moreover, forcing a smile can also lead to emotional dissonance, which is a discrepancy between how we feel and what we display. When we force a smile, we may be suppressing our true emotions, leading to emotional dissonance.

This dissonance can cause us to feel frustrated, angry, or sad, which can impact our overall emotional state.

The Impact of Forced Smiles in the Workplace

Forced smiles are often seen in the workplace, especially in jobs that involve dealing with customers, such as receptionists, salespeople, and customer service representatives.

In these roles, employees are trained to display a smile, regardless of how they’re feeling, to create a positive experience for the customer. While it’s a common practice, forced smiles can have a negative impact on an employee’s emotional well-being.

In a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, researchers found that employees who displayed a fake smile had a higher level of emotional exhaustion compared to those who displayed a genuine smile.

Emotional exhaustion is a state of emotional depletion caused by prolonged emotional dissonance, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.

How to Avoid Forced Smiles

Avoiding forced smiles may seem impossible, especially in roles that require customer interaction. However, there are ways to handle the situation without compromising emotional well-being. One way is to practice empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. By understanding the customer’s needs and emotions, employees can respond appropriately, leading to a genuine smile.

Another way to avoid forced smiles is to practice transparency. Employees can explain their feelings to the customer, leading to a more authentic interaction.

For instance, an employee can say, “I’m sorry; I’m feeling a bit tired today, but I’ll do my best to assist you.” This handle can create a more honest and transparent interaction, leading to a genuine smile.

The Bottom Line

Forced smiles may seem harmless, but studies show that it can have a negative impact on our emotions and well-being. Forcing a smile can lead to stress, anxiety, emotional dissonance, and emotional exhaustion.

It’s essential to understand the science of smiling and ways to avoid forced smiles to maintain emotional well-being, especially in the workplace.