Contemporary Perspectives in Nonverbal Behavior: Then and Now

Abstract

Since its formal introduction in the research literature in the 1950s and 60s, nonverbal behavior research has witnessed a number of theoretical and methodological developments, described in Patterson’s (2014) reflections on historical trends in the field in this special issue on contemporary perspectives in nonverbal behavior. The empirical works also featured in this issue highlight the diverse interests and approaches of current researchers in the field, and reinforce several key qualities (e.g., function, context, pattern, intersection, interaction) in Patterson’s view for the need of a more systems-oriented nonverbal framework. More specifically, in their exploration of people’s ability to use a deliberate Duchenne smile to persuade another person, Gunnery and Hall (2014) demonstrate how considering the broader functions of nonverbal behaviors can offer instructive opportunities for understanding how particular behaviors operate. Moreover, the importance of the interaction context or setting noted by Patterson is emphasized by their finding that people use a deliberate Duchenne smile only when they are attempting to persuade someone to do something consistent with the actual nature of the persuasion object (e.g., drinking a good tasting beverage) as opposed to persuading someone to do something more contrary (e.g., drinking a bad tasting beverage). Patterson (2014) further challenges contemporary researchers to focus greater attention on patterns of behavior, as in the real world where interactions are characterized more by the simultaneous initiation of multiple, coordinated behaviors rather than the production of single actions in isolated channels. Farley’s (2014) work exploring the role of mimicry, smiling, laughter, body posture, and vocal pleasantness in communicating romantic attraction, relationship-maintenance, and affiliation convincingly supports the value of this invitation. Meadors and Murray’s (2014) investigation of implicit racial bias in the reactive nonverbal behaviors of viewers watching videos of Black or White criminal suspects supports Patterson’s additional challenge to consider in new ways how nonverbal behavior intersects with culture. As well, the importance of tracking how behavior intersect with