Approach avoidance responses to facial expressions in young children: A study using a dance pad

Abstract

Although the approach-avoidance response to facial expressions is considered an evolutionarily acquired adaptive response, it has primarily been examined in adult participants. The present study investigated approach-avoidance responses to facial expressions in 23 Japanese young children aged 3–5 years using a dance game pad. The results revealed that approach responses were dominant in response to happy facial expressions, while avoidance responses were dominant in response to angry facial expressions. These findings lend support to the innateness of approach-avoidance responses.