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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Horses Categorize Human Emotions Cross-Modally Based on Faci...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(11); 862; doi: 10.3390/ani9110862

Horses Categorize Human Emotions Cross-Modally Based on Facial Expression and Non-Verbal Vocalizations.

Abstract: Over the last few years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to gain more insight into the field of animal emotions. In particular, it is of interest to determine whether animals can cross-modally categorize the emotions of others. For domestic animals that share a close relationship with humans, we might wonder whether this cross-modal recognition of emotions extends to humans, as well. In this study, we tested whether horses could recognize human emotions and attribute the emotional valence of visual (facial expression) and vocal (non-verbal vocalization) stimuli to the same perceptual category. Two animated pictures of different facial expressions (anger and joy) were simultaneously presented to the horses, while a speaker played an emotional human non-verbal vocalization matching one of the two facial expressions. Horses looked at the picture that was incongruent with the vocalization more, probably because they were intrigued by the paradoxical combination. Moreover, horses reacted in accordance with the valence of the vocalization, both behaviorally and physiologically (heart rate). These results show that horses can cross-modally recognize human emotions and react emotionally to the emotional states of humans, assessed by non-verbal vocalizations.
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Publication Date: 2019-10-24 PubMed ID: 31653088PubMed Central: PMC6912773DOI: 10.3390/ani9110862Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research is focused on understanding whether horses can cross-modally categorize the emotions of humans based on facial expressions and non-verbal vocalizations.

Research Objective

The main objective of the study was to probe into the ability of horses to cross-modally recognize human emotions. In other words, the researchers sought to determine if horses can connect visual signals (human facial expressions) and auditory signals (human non-verbal vocalizations) to categorize emotions.

Study Methodology

  • Two distinct animated images representing anger and joy were presented to the horses simultaneously.
  • A speaker was used to present emotional human non-verbal vocalizations that matched one of the two facial expressions being displayed.
  • The researchers then analysed how the horses responded to the conflicting visual and auditory signals.

Key Findings

  • The researchers observed that horses paid more attention to the image that contradicted the vocalization. This was interpreted as the horses’ intrigue towards the inconsistent combination of the visual and auditory stimuli.
  • Additionally, it was established that the horses responded in a manner consistent with the emotional tone carried in the vocalization. This behavioral response was observed alongside physiological changes such as varying heart rates.

Implications of the Research

The results from this study provide compelling evidence that horses are indeed capable of cross-modal recognition of human emotions. This implies that horses not only perceive human facial expressions and non-verbal vocalizations but can also link them to identify the emotional state of a human. Besides contributing to our understanding of animal emotions, the study also highlights horses’ ability to emotionally engage with humans. Such discoveries can help improve horse-human interactions, particularly in therapy and equestrianism. The research may also pave the way for further studies on emotional cognition in different animal species.

Cite This Article

APA
Trösch M, Cuzol F, Parias C, Calandreau L, Nowak R, Lansade L. (2019). Horses Categorize Human Emotions Cross-Modally Based on Facial Expression and Non-Verbal Vocalizations. Animals (Basel), 9(11), 862. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110862

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
PII: 862

Researcher Affiliations

Trösch, Miléna
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. milena.trosch@gmail.com.
Cuzol, Florent
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. florent.cuzol@gmail.com.
Parias, Céline
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. celine.parias@inra.fr.
Calandreau, Ludovic
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. ludovic.calandreau@inra.fr.
Nowak, Raymond
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. raymond.nowak@inra.fr.
Lansade, Léa
  • INRA, PRC, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France. lea.lansade@inra.fr.

Grant Funding

  • Cognition-u00e9quitation / IFCE (Institut Franu00e7ais du Cheval et de l'Equitation)

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

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