Paul Ekman: biography, books and theories

Paul Ekman is a famous American psychologist who is an unrivaled specialist in the field of human emotions. He created his own theory, allowing, based only on facial expressions, gestures and other visible factors, to recognize the true thoughts of man.

short biography

Paul Ekman was born in 1934 in the city of Washington. He studied at the universities of Chicago and New York. In 1958, Adelphi received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Adelphi . After that, he began working at the Neuropsychiatric Institute. From 1958 to 1960, Ekman served in the US Army as an officer. Having given his debt to his homeland, he returned to the institute and worked there until 2004.

Body language and facial expressions he began to study in 1954. On this topic, the psychologist began scientific practice in 1955, and in 1957 his first publication was published. After that, Ekman studied social psychology and cultural differences for 10 years. In parallel, he studied the facial expressions and the corresponding human emotions. These studies and were put in the basis of his subsequent "theory of deception."

"The National Institute of Psychological Health" supported all the research of Paul Ekman for 40 years and for many achievements in the field of scientific research many times honored his awards.

Paul Eckmann's works, as well as articles about him, are published in many American and foreign popular publications. Also doctors of philosophy can often be seen on television screens in various programs and shows. He did not pass the cinema either - his image served as the prototype of the main character in the TV series "Deceive me."

Today Ekman works as a professor at the University of San Francisco, and is also the head of a company that develops techniques and devices for studying the emotions and microexpressions of individuals.

Paul Ekman's system

Special attention should be paid to the methodology and a number of theories that made the psychologist famous. The basis of Paul Ekman's system lay the dogma that all internal emotions are reflected on human faces, which give impetus to action (motivation). That is, if you are able to recognize these emotions, you can not only determine the fraud in the situation, but also to predict what actions a person can take in the future.

The psychologist was trying to understand whether it is possible to read by persons, and whether there are certain clear rules that govern the facial expressions of a person. To find out, Paul Ekman traveled to many countries in the late 1960s, where local residents were shown a set of photographs of people whose faces expressed different emotions. And the natives of different countries interpreted exactly the same thing. The result of this experiment was the conclusion that each person controls his facial expressions in accordance with the innate skills, and they are practically the same for all. And in no way depend on any social conditions of life, as previously thought.

After establishing this fact, Ekman together with his colleague began to create a catalog of expressions of persons in the presence of a different spectrum of emotions.

Books by Paul Ekman

The uniqueness of the books of Professor Paul Ekman lies in the fact that they are based on his many years of research and a deep psychological analysis of the phenomenon of lies. His works - this is not just an exciting reading, this guide to action. He created a lot of interesting works, Russian-language editions of which are represented by the following specimens:

1) "Why do children lie" (1993).

2) "Psychology of lies" (1999-2010).

3) "The psychology of lies. Deceive me if you can "(2010).

4) "Know the liar by the expression of the face" (2010).

5) "Psychology of emotions. I know how you feel "(2010).

6) "Wisdom of the East and the West. Psychology of balance "(2010).

7) "Find out the liar by the expression of a person" (2013).

All the books of Paul Ekman have one basis - his theories. Consider the most popular of them.

"Psychology of lies"

This is the most popular of all 14 books created by Paul Ekman. "The psychology of lies" is a real tool for people who want to learn how to define lies and avoid psychological manipulation of their personalities. The book defines the lie, reveals its causes, classifies it according to its forms and gives the main methods by which it can be recognized.

The book defines the very concept of lies, the causes of its origin, specific forms, moral and social aspects, and also provides all possible methods of recognition. It teaches us to notice specific microexpressions (mimic signs) and micro-activities that are capable of giving out a liar.

In 2010, the second edition appeared - "Deceive me." Paul Ekman's book is intended for a wide range of readers, beginning with housewives and ending with politicians and businessmen. It will help everyone who does not want to become a victim of deception.

"The psychology of emotions, I know how you feel"

This book deals with all the basic human emotions - both explicit and hidden. It is written in a simple, accessible manner, filled with interesting facts and cases from life, and also contains many practical recommendations. This work will allow you to better understand yourself, what moves you, what emotions dominate your life, and how it affects it. Also it will help to know others. It will teach you not to be mistaken, but to move forward, to new victories and achievements both at home and at work.

The book, written by Paul Ekman, "Psychology of emotions" is a reference book that helps to recognize, evaluate and correct emotions in yourself and other people in the early stages.

Find out the liar by the expression of a person

This is a new book of the professor, which can be called the continuation of the "Psychology of lies." It is a kind of "simulator" for recognizing human emotions. It will make it possible to understand the true feelings of almost any person: fear, sadness, surprise, anger, joy, disgust. Using this book, you can always find out how sincere a person is in the feelings that are shown to you. It will help improve your skills in defending against deception.

The book contains a lot of photos for a visual example. Also in it there are special exercises that help to determine a lie.

Trainer Paul Ekman

A special program-simulator for recognizing microexpressions was created. It is freely available, it is very simple to buy or download to your computer. This is a very good workshop after studying the general theory. It will allow you to become a true master in the recognition of lies.

Here, human faces expressing different emotions will be presented to your attention, and you will need to guess what kind of feeling is displayed on them - fear, sadness, surprise, anger, joy, disgust.

Paul Ekman is a true genius, who deservedly admired not only his readers, but also scientists. His system is a real breakthrough in the field of psychology. Through long years of research he was able to create a methodology that helps in the search for truth to millions of people around the world.