Fundamentals of Nonverbal Behavior

Studies in Emotion and Social Interaction

by Robert S. Feldman (Editor)

This volume provides a broad and comprehensive overview of current theory and research in the field of nonverbal behavior and details the major contemporary research areas within it. The contributions, written by prominent researchers in this area of study, consider nonverbal behavior from a broad perspective, focusing on the fundamental psychological processes that underlie the phenomenon. Several meanings of nonverbal behavior are employed throughout the volume and the contributors, whose work represents disparate research traditions and methodologies, consider biological and neuropsychological approaches, cognitive processes, gestures, facial expressions, and other symbolic behavior. The papers are united by a shared conviction that nonverbal behavior represents an important phenomenon with implications both for people's understanding of their own phenomenological and emotional worlds and for the nature of their social interactions with others.

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Robert S. Feldman is Dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Feldman, who is winner of the College Distinguished Teacher award, has also taught courses at Mount Holyoke College, Wesleyan University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

A Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society, Feldman received a B.A. with High Honors from Wesleyan University and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is winner of a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar and Lecturer award and has written more than 100 books, book chapters, and scientific articles. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors of the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (FABBS).

His books, which have been translated into languages ranging from Spanish and French to Chinese and Japanese, include The Liar in Your Life, Understanding Psychology, Essentials of Understanding Psychology, Fundamentals of Nonverbal Behavior, Development of Nonverbal Behavior in Children, Social Psychology, Development Across the Life Span, and P.O.W.E.R. Learning: Strategies for Success in College and Life. His research interests include honesty and deception and impression management. His research has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research.