The Anatomy of a Poker Face

Susie thought she was in for the night of her life. After months of dating Roger, she suspected that his invitation to a fancy restaurant meant they were taking their relationship to the next level. Instead, Roger delivered a break-up. In that moment, Susie’s heart dropped, but she managed to keep her composure. She looked him straight in the eyes, forced a calm reply, and carried on with dinner as though nothing had happened.

Most of us have been in a situation like this. One moment, we’re hopeful and happy; the next, we’re hit with news that leaves us reeling inside. Yet instead of breaking down, we put on a calm exterior. This ability to hide disappointment, anger, or sadness behind a neutral expression is what we often call the “poker face.”

But what exactly makes a poker face possible? Why do humans use it, and how does it affect our mental health? In this article, we’ll explore the psychology and biology behind the poker face and the ways it can both help and harm us. We’ll also look at practical strategies for deciding how to express our emotions depending on our circumstances.

What Is a Poker Face?

At its simplest, a poker face is the ability to keep your outward expression neutral, even when you feel strong emotions inside. The term comes from the game of poker, where players try to mask excitement, disappointment, or anxiety to avoid giving away their hand. In everyday life, though, the poker face goes far beyond card games.

What makes the poker face uniquely human is our advanced ability to regulate and suppress emotional expression. While animals may signal distress or excitement instinctively, people can choose to manage the expression of what they feel in order to protect themselves, avoid conflict, or maintain dignity. Think about how often people say “I’m fine” when they are not. This is a social version of the poker face.

Psychologists have long been fascinated by this phenomenon because it reflects both our cognitive abilities and our social instincts. A poker face is not just a matter of stiffening facial muscles. It’s a complex interplay of brain processes, body control, and emotional regulation strategies. Understanding how it works can shed light on how we navigate relationships, stress, and even mental health.

The Science Behind the Poker Face

Researchers from Belgium and Germany set out to uncover what happens in the brain when people put on a poker face ^[1]. Their findings revealed that two key strategies are at play: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. These are two different but complementary ways of keeping emotions in check.

• Cognitive reappraisal involves mentally reframing a situation so it feels less overwhelming. For example, Susie told herself she was better off finding out sooner rather than later that Roger wasn’t right for her. By shifting her perspective, she softened the blow of rejection and found a way to stay calm ^[2].
  
• Expressive suppression is more physical. It involves deliberately controlling the body’s signals, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, and even the urge to cry or shake. It doesn’t necessarily change how we feel inside, but it changes what others see ^[3].

Neuroscience studies show that these processes activate different brain networks. Reappraisal engages areas tied to thinking and planning, such as the prefrontal cortex, while suppression involves regions connected to motor control and inhibition ^[4]. Together, they allow us to present a steady exterior even when our internal world feels shaken.

This ability is part of what makes humans so adaptable in social environments. However, as we’ll see later, it’s not always beneficial to keep emotions hidden. The key is knowing when to use these strategies and when to let authenticity take the lead.

Cognitive Strategies to Reframe Emotions

One of the most powerful tools behind a poker face is the mind’s ability to reframe a difficult moment. This process, known as cognitive reappraisal, allows us to put a new spin on a painful situation so it feels less threatening.

Susie’s inner dialogue at the restaurant is a good example. She told herself that Roger’s rejection, while painful, was better to discover now than years into the relationship. By creating this new narrative, she was able to shift her focus from loss to relief. That shift didn’t erase her disappointment, but it gave her the strength to maintain composure in the moment.

We use this kind of reappraisal in everyday life more often than we realize. Think about a stressful work meeting where you choose to see tough feedback as a chance to grow, rather than as a personal attack. Or when a delayed flight becomes an unexpected opportunity to rest, instead of a disaster. Reframing doesn’t change the facts, but it changes how we interpret them. That interpretation directly shapes our emotional response ^[5].

While cognitive reappraisal is a powerful skill, it requires practice. People who get stuck in negative thinking or rumination may find it harder to shift perspective. In those cases, therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help strengthen the ability to reframe thoughts in healthier ways ^[6].

Physical Strategies to Control the Body’s Signals

While reappraisal happens in the mind, the other half of a poker face takes place in the body. This involves expressive suppression, or the deliberate effort to keep physical signs of emotion under wraps.

The body often betrays how we feel before we’ve even spoken a word. Tears well up when we’re sad, our cheeks flush when we’re embarrassed, and our hands may tremble when we’re anxious. With practice, many people learn to rein in these automatic reactions by holding back tears, keeping their voice steady, or maintaining eye contact even when their chest feels tight.

Facial expressions are especially powerful in this regard. Humans have dozens of tiny facial muscles capable of conveying subtle emotions. Suppressing a frown, forcing a neutral mouth, or softening the eyes can dramatically change how others perceive our state of mind. Similarly, adjusting posture, such as sitting upright rather than slumping, can project calm even when we feel anything but calm inside.

Of course, this doesn’t mean the emotions disappear. In fact, research suggests that suppression may increase physiological stress, such as elevated heart rate or tension in the body ^[7]. The poker face might buy us time or protect us socially, but it doesn’t always resolve what we’re feeling underneath. That’s why balance is so important.

When Poker Faces Help vs. When They Hurt

Poker faces can serve us well in certain situations, but in others they may create more harm than good. Knowing the difference is key to protecting both our relationships and our mental health ^[8].

When Poker Faces Help	When Poker Faces Hurt
Professional settings: Maintaining composure during heated meetings or negotiations can preserve credibility and prevent conflict.	Personal relationships: Suppressing emotions with loved ones can lead to distance, misunderstandings, and unspoken resentment.
Safety concerns: Staying calm in dangerous or volatile situations may reduce risk and help de-escalate conflict.	Emotional health: Holding in sadness, anger, or fear can increase stress and contribute to anxiety or depression over time.
Boundary protection: Choosing not to reveal disappointment can prevent others from taking advantage of our vulnerability.	Connection loss: Friends and partners may feel shut out if they never see our true feelings.
Short-term coping: A neutral expression can give us time to process emotions before reacting impulsively.	Long-term strain: Overuse of suppression can prevent emotional processing, leading to rumination or burnout.

The takeaway is not to abandon poker faces altogether but to recognize when they serve a healthy purpose and when they might interfere with well-being.

Using the Poker Face Wisely

Understanding how and when to use a poker face can make a meaningful difference in emotional well-being. While composure has its benefits, authenticity and openness are equally important for healthy relationships and personal growth. Here are some practical ways to strike that balance:

• Pause and assess: Before defaulting to a poker face, ask yourself whether hiding your feelings protects you or isolates you.
  
• Use reappraisal mindfully: Practice reframing difficult situations in ways that reduce distress without denying your emotions.
  
• Release emotions later: If you suppress feelings in the moment, make sure to process them later through journaling, talking with a friend, or therapy.
  
• Share selectively: Authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything with everyone. Choose safe, supportive people with whom to open up.
  
• Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that emotions are natural and human. Suppressing them doesn’t mean they’re wrong. It just means you’re choosing when to express them.
  
• Seek professional support: If you find yourself relying on a poker face constantly, consider working with a therapist to explore healthier coping strategies.
  

By approaching the poker face as one tool among many, rather than a constant mask, people can protect themselves in difficult situations while still building authentic, supportive connections.

Strength and Authenticity

The poker face is more than just a social trick. It’s a fascinating example of how the human mind and body work together to manage emotions. From reframing our thoughts to suppressing physical reactions, it allows us to maintain composure when life delivers unexpected blows. Yet as powerful as it can be, the poker face is not meant to be worn all the time.

Like Susie at the dinner table, we may need to call on it in moments of shock or vulnerability. But once the moment passes, our mental health benefits from honesty, release, and connection. The true skill lies in knowing when to regulate emotions for protection and when to show them to deepen trust and understanding.

By using the poker face wisely, we give ourselves the flexibility to move through the world with both strength and authenticity. This balance supports not just survival, but genuine emotional well-being.