Display rules play a crucial role in shaping our behavior and communication, as they allow us to navigate social interactions effectively. They enable us to modify our facial expressions, gestures, vocal intonations, and other nonverbal cues to match the emotional expectations of a given social setting.

Elicited Display Rules:

These are display rules that are triggered or activated by specific situational factors. For example, in a professional setting, individuals may be expected to maintain a composed and serious demeanor.

Prescriptive Display Rules:

Prescriptive display rules are societal norms and expectations regarding how emotions should be displayed in a particular culture or community. For instance, in some cultures, it may be unacceptable to show anger or frustration openly.

Feeling Display Rules:

Feeling display rules relate to the regulation of internal emotions. They involve managing and suppressing certain emotions to align with the appropriate displays for a given situation, such as hiding sadness during a celebration.

Surface Acting:

Surface acting refers to when individuals modify their outward expressions of emotions without genuinely experiencing those emotions internally. This form of emotional regulation is driven purely by the display rules of a particular context.

Deep Acting:

Deep acting involves genuine emotional regulation, where individuals make a conscious effort to modify their internal emotional state to align with the desired emotional expression required by the display rules. This approach aims for authenticity rather than just conforming to external expectations.

Consequences of Violating Display Rules:

• Individuals who violate display rules may be judged negatively or perceived as emotionally inappropriate or lacking self-control.
• Noncompliance with display rules can lead to strained social relationships and potential social isolation.
• In certain professional settings, violating display rules may impact career prospects and opportunities for advancement.
• Repeated violations of display rules might contribute to psychological distress and difficulties in emotional regulation.