ABSTRACT
Emotions and visuals entertain a complex relationship. Emotions in other human beings are mainly perceived through visualization – for example, facial expression – although other senses than vision might also be involved (cf. Unz this volume). The visual perception of facial and bodily expressions is paramount for the communicative interaction between individuals and groups. Vice versa, visual depictions elicit emotions in the beholder, often triggering a cascade of complex intrapersonal as well as interpersonal communication and regulation processes. Thus, emotional visuals and visual emotions should be considered complementary dimensions of interpersonal, group, as well as mass communication processes.
