ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate psychophysiological responses to expressions of surprise, sadness, and disgust and the possible effect of the expresser's sex.MethodThe startle reflex, the skin conductance response (SCR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded in 50 participants while they viewed male and female expressions of surprise, sadness, and disgust.ResultsThe results showed enhanced startle reflex potentiation and greater HR deceleration in response to disgust expressions and a larger SCR and greater HR deceleration in response to male expressions of disgust.ConclusionsThese results suggest higher activation of the defensive motivational system and an orienting response to expressions of disgust, especially those of male faces.