The More Attractive, the Less Deceptive? Effects of Female Facial Attractiveness on Perceived Deceptiveness

Junichiro Murai ,Izuru Nose,Yuuta Takiguchi

doi:10.4236/psych.2018.94032

Junichiro Murai , Izuru Nose + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2018.94032

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Abstract

We examined whether the facial attractiveness of females affects their perceived deceptiveness. We recorded three female models as they responded to 15 self-introductory interview questions while wearing makeup to make them look more and less attractive. The video clips were presented in high versus low attractiveness conditions to adolescent participants (both males and females), who rated the model’s attractiveness and deceptiveness after her reply to each of the questions. Two of the models in the high attractiveness condition were rated as significantly more attractive. Two-way ANOVAs on the deceptiveness ratings of each reply revealed that deceptiveness was generally, but not strongly, lower in the high attractiveness condition than in the low attractiveness condition. The present technique of manipulating facial attractiveness is applicable to future research.

Highlights

Facial attractiveness has been shown to be closely related to positive personality traits, creating a halo effect
We examined whether the facial attractiveness of females affects their perceived deceptiveness
The attractive and unattractive models presented in the stimulus videos were different persons; deceptiveness judgments may have been affected by differences in the models

Summary

Introduction

Facial attractiveness has been shown to be closely related to positive personality traits, creating a halo effect. The facial appearance heuristic (e.g., Vrij, 2004) leads humans to judge others whose faces are attractive as honest. Porter et al (2002) and Bull and Vine (2003) examined the effect of attractiveness of male and female models on judgments of lying/truth telling. The attractive and unattractive models presented in the stimulus videos were different persons; deceptiveness judgments may have been affected by differences in the models. By contrast, Aune et al (1993) created attractive and unattractive model stimuli by changing the appearance of a single female by altering her clothing, makeup, and hairstyle. The model’s speech was prepared by the researchers and practiced by her for four hours before recording; the model did not speak spontaneously, and because her performance was manipulated to conform to stereotypical liar behavior, she may have behaved unnaturally

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