NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayOctober 25, 2026Hillsborough County
Experts suggest smiling more often can improve mood and health, while researchers note limits around forced smiling
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Experts and researchers report that the physical act of smiling can help regulate stress hormones, reduce physiological stress responses, and improve emotional well-being. However, researchers and individuals also caution that mandatory or pressured smiling, particularly in workplaces or social contexts, can lead to negative feelings and diminish emotional autonomy.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
People navigating workplace expectations or stress management strategies face differing social pressures regarding facial expressions, impacting personal comfort and emotional well-being.
Key Facts
- Researchers and experts suggest that physical smiling can positively influence emotions and help regulate stress and mood.
- Dr. Judy Ho notes that smiling can increase cortisol and affect endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin levels.
- Studies indicate that people who smile during stressful tasks generally demonstrate lower heart rates during recovery.
- A Walden University report suggests smiling may help take the edge off pain, referencing experiments where subjects submerged hands in cold water.
- Older research from the 1980s involving pencils and movie clips showed that physical smiling can enhance amusement.
- The Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts emphasizes a smiling culture to improve student well-being, grades, and relationships.
- Principal RaNae Posey states a goal of helping children form habits of looking at the bright side.
- Mandatory or pressured smiling can create uncomfortable expectations, particularly affecting women in workplaces and people of color.
- Nicholas Coles states that smiling only provides positive effects when it feels authentic and voluntary.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDr. Judy Ho“clinical and forensic neuropsychologist discussing smiling as a coping strategy”OrganizationUniversity of Florida“institution in Gainesville where Nicholas Coles works”OrganizationUniversity of California at Irvine“institution where experiments involving subjects in cold water were conducted”OrganizationStanford University“institution represented by psychology professor Jeanne Tsai”OrganizationPepperdine University“institution where Dr. Judy Ho teaches”PersonJeanne Tsai“Stanford University psychology professor”OrganizationOrange County Academy of Sciences and Arts“Southern California school emphasizing the power of a smile”PersonNicholas Coles“assistant professor running the Social Science Collaboratory at the University o”OrganizationWalden University“institution that released a report regarding smiling and pain management”PersonRaNae Posey“OCASA Capistrano Elementary School Principal”