In this study we investigated facial electromyographic
(EMG) responses to vocal affect expressions. We also measured
emotion-related action tendencies by requesting the subjects
to indicate their tendency to approach or withdraw from
the person uttering the stimulus word. In addition, emotional
contagion (EC) was measured with a questionnaire-based
scale. The results showed that hearing the expression of
anger increased EMG activity in the subjects' brow
region more than hearing contentment. In contrast, the
expression of contentment activated the periocular muscle
region more than anger. The expressions of anger elicited
behavioral withdrawal responses, whereas the neutral expressions
and contentment evoked approach responses. Subjects scoring
low and high on EC exhibited different patterns of EMG
responses. The results support the view that negative and
positive affects are contagious from hearing human vocal
affect expressions.