Development of Forms and Functions of Smiling in Preschoolers

CHEYNE, J. A. Development of Forms and Functions of Smiling in Preschoolers. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1976, 47, 820-823. Previous research has demonstrated that different topographical forms of smiling can be classified systematically and reliably and that different forms of smiling occur under different conditions. The 3 most common smiles (closed, upper, and broad) have been observed to occur differentially during solitary activities, interpersonal exchanges, and active play, suggesting the possibility that the different forms of smiles may have different functions. The present study was designed for the purpose of determining whether there are differences in the relations of the forms and functions of smiling of preschoolers of different ages. The major finding of the study was that, although smiling at peers (especially same-sex peers) increased markedly over the age span, this was true only of the social forms of smiling.