title: Williams syndrome and happiness.
abstract: Williams syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting in a variety of medical and developmental features, one of which is a frequent outward presentation of substantial happiness. In this paper we describe the unique expression of happiness in people with Williams syndrome, with several anecdotes and a frame by frame conversational analysis. We then discuss this happiness in the context of other dimensions of the impact of Williams syndrome, especially anxiety. We conclude with a discussion of the role of genetics in emotions.
authors.affiliation: Building Blocks, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wharton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D001007:Anxiety; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004644:Emotions; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D012919:Social Behavior; D018980:Williams Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*