What does it indicate about mood when the corners of the mouth are raised?

• A. If the corners of your mouth are turned down, people will think you are in a good mood
• B. If the corners of your mouth are raised, people will think you are in a good mood
• C. It has no effect on perception
• D. People will think you are hiding emotions

Answer: (B)

Raising the corners of the mouth signals a smile, a clear sign of positive affect. When observers see upward-turning lips, they typically infer that the person is in a good mood or feeling happy. This facial cue is a strong social signal that conveys friendliness and warmth, which is why it affects how others perceive and respond to you. In contrast, corners that droop suggest sadness or displeasure, and the notion that smiling has no effect on perception isn’t accurate because facial expressions are powerful communicators of emotion. While some smiles can be used to mask feelings, the common reading of raised mouth corners is that the person is in a good mood.