Symbolic Gestures (Emblems)

Paul Ekman Ph.D, and his team, is identifying the vocabulary of symbolic gestures in a number of cultures (what David Efron more than sixty years ago called Emblems). An emblem has a precise meaning or set of meanings known to all members of a culture or sub-culture. It is the only true body language, and is culture-specific. We will be using methods developed by Paul Ekman and used twenty years ago to establish the emblem vocabulary in the United States (dissertation of Harold Johnson), Iran (dissertation of Carol Trupin), and Israel (thesis of Nitza Broidie). Pending Funding

D-cube (Dangerous Demeanor Detector)

Continuing work on the identification of facial expressions of immediate deadly intent, covering both premeditated and loss of control attacks. New work will ask people who recently survived a physical assault to create the expression they saw utilizing computer software. Pending funding .

Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB)

This project, combined some of Paul Ekman’s approaches to emotional skills with contemplative practice, was initiated at the request of the Dalai Lama. It is directed by Margaret Kemeny at the University of California, San Francisco. Paul Ekman assisted in the completion of the analyses and write up of findings on the impact of 50 hours of training on the physiology, self reported emotion, and expressions of school teachers. Completed in 2008.

Deception and Demeanor

Paul Ekman continues to work with Mark Frank in the planning and execution of a number of studies of how deception may be betrayed through demeanor. Paul Ekman was a co-investigator of the study that examined lying and truth telling about having committed a harmful act by political extremists. The most recent study, on which Paul Ekman is a consultant, involves lies about the intent to commit a harmful act.

Emotional Profiles

Paul Ekman is developing an online training program that will allow people to determine their Emotional Profile -which will assist in improving their Emotional Balance. Pending Funding.