Facial expression communicates emotion through movements around the eyes, mouth and other facial muscles. In blunted affect, these movements may be less frequent or less varied. A face can appear neutral during events that would…Continue Reading
Vocal expression includes changes in pitch, rhythm, loudness and emphasis that convey emotion. In blunted affect, speech may sound relatively flat or monotonous even when its meaning is clear. The person may describe an important…Continue Reading
Gestures are movements that accompany communication, such as nodding, using the hands or changing posture to emphasise a point. Blunted affect may involve fewer spontaneous gestures or a narrower range of expressive movement. Conversation can…Continue Reading
Internal emotional experience is what a person feels, as distinct from what observers can see or hear. Research and clinical accounts show that reduced expression does not necessarily mean a complete absence of emotion. Someone…Continue Reading
Blunted affect can create communication difficulties because other people use expression to judge interest, emotion and intention. A neutral face or flat voice may be misread as indifference, dislike or unwillingness to participate. The person…Continue Reading