Abstract
Facial width to height ratio (fWHR) is a morphological cue that correlates with sexual dimorphism and social traits. Currently, it is unclear how vertical and horizontal components of fWHR, distinctly capture faces’ social information. Using a new methodology, we orthogonally manipulated the upper facial height and the bizygomatic width to test their selective effect in the formation of impressions. Subjects (n = 90) saw pair of faces and had to select the face expressing better different social traits (trustworthiness, aggressiveness and femininity). We further investigated how sex and fWHR components interact in the formation of these judgements. Across experiments, changes along the vertical component better predicted participants' ratings rather than the horizontal component. Faces with smaller height were perceived as less trustworthy, less feminine and more aggressive. By dissociating fWHR and testing the contribution of its components independently, we obtained a powerful and discriminative measure of how facial morphology guides social judgements.
Highlights
Facial perception is largely influenced by detection of emotions
The objective of this study is to show that facial width to height ratio (fWHR) can become a more powerful tool when considering upper facial height and byzigomatic width as independently contributing to people perception of others’ personality
This effect was independent from sex, as there was no interaction (F
Summary
Facial perception is largely influenced by detection of emotions It is influenced by morphological and stable factors such as gender, skin color and facial width to height ratio (fWHR). Male faces with higher fWHR are more likely to be judged as untrustworthy[3, 4], dominant[5, 6], more powerful and competent[7]. This measure can have strong impact on real life since it has been considered in judicial context where the prisoners’ fWHR contributed to the jury’s decision[8]. It has been suggested that men with higher fWHR have a higher propensity to aggression [9, 10], they are more likely to show unethical behavior such as deception, cheating [11] self-interest [12]or little propensity to trust others[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
