More than one kind of happiness: Can we recognize vocal expressions of different positive states?

Abstract

Several theorists have proposed that distinc- tions are needed between different positive emotional states, and that these discriminations may be particularly useful in the domain of vocal signals (Ekman, 1992b, Cognition and Emotion, 6, 169-200; Scherer, 1986, Psy- chological Bulletin, 99, 143-165). We report an investi- gation into the hypothesis that positive basic emotions have distinct vocal expressions (Ekman, 1992b, Cognition and Emotion, 6, 169-200). Non-verbal vocalisations are used that map onto five putative positive emotions: Achieve- ment/Triumph, Amusement, Contentment, Sensual Plea- sure, and Relief. Data from categorisation and rating tasks indicate that each vocal expression is accurately categor- ised and consistently rated as expressing the intended emotion. This pattern is replicated across two language groups. These data, we conclude, provide evidence for the existence of robustly recognisable expressions of distinct positive emotions.