Emotional Behavioural Analysis

ANALYSIS AND EMOTION are two concepts that seem at odds with each other; many recent studies have actually shown that our rational mind cannot be fully understood without also considering our emotional soul. Emotions play a major role, their strength rooted within perfect mechanisms that have been honed over millions of years of evolution. But as important as they are, Paul Ekman reminds us, we still know very little about them.

Emotional Behavioural Analysis is an interactive method that integrates a set of skills aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of a subject’s emotional experience through evaluative analysis techniques that examine six different communication channels. The observation of non-verbal behaviour can draw on studies based on important scientific evidence. Starting with the research work of Paul Ekman, we have precise knowledge about certain specific emotions. In particular, we know that there are unequivocal and very reliable signals that can be observed. We refer to certain facial expressions called ‘universal facial expressions‘, associated with seven main emotions: anger, fear, disgust, surprise, happiness and sadness.

Those who are trained to pick up on these rapid micro-signals have a very effective tool at their disposal, as they can extract valuable information related to emotions that their interlocutor is not aware of manifesting, and verify them instantly through targeted questions. This is an important tool that can be applied in different professional contexts.
Facial expressions are probably the best known, but it is important for the reliability of the assessment to extend the observation to a broad spectrum of signals. For this reason, the method of emotional-behavioural analysis, derived from the studies and research of Paul Ekman, is based on the observation and evaluation of six communication channels:
– facial expressions: decoding signals (F.A.C.S.);
– body language: the gaze; postural reactions; relating to space, distance and forms of contact with others; gestures;
the voice: rhythm; speed; volume; frequency; timbre;
– verbal content: understood as the narrative account verbalised by the interlocutor, and the search for key words, revealing aspects of values and motivation;
– the verbal style: pauses; change of pronouns; culturally related idioms, ‘slang’; stuttering or repetition; evasive sentences;
– the autonomic nervous system: changes in breathing; sweating; paleness or redness in the face; tearing; trembling; pupil dilation.

The observation of these elements is based on the discrepancy between the person’s natural style (baseline) and the behaviours enacted during the interaction. The method involves sifting through different hypotheses that take into consideration: the individual characteristics of the subject, environmental factors and of course the context (the background against which the relationship is set and which influences its dynamics). After collecting the data as a result of such observation and formulating the relevant hypotheses, the skill that needs to be employed contemplates a punctual and strategic use of questions that will be aimed at assessing the hypotheses formulated during the course of the interview.

The book The Heart in the Mind by Diego Ingrassia will guide you in learning this method. A manual that is both rigorous in its scientific approach and agile at the same time, laying the foundations for the development of specific skills. A valuable working tool for many professionals and at the same time a work capable of broadening our awareness.