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Signals of personality and health: The contributions of facial shape, skin texture, and viewing angle

Jones, Alex L., Kramer, Robin S. S., Ward, Robert (2012) Signals of personality and health: The contributions of facial shape, skin texture, and viewing angle. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 38 (6). pp. 1353-1361. ISSN 0096-1523. (doi:10.1037/a0027078) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33297)

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0027078

Abstract

To what extent does information in a person's face predict their likely behavior? There is increasing evidence for association between relatively neutral, static facial appearance and personality traits. By using composite images rendered from three dimensional (3D) scans of women scoring high and low on health and personality dimensions, we aimed to examine the separate contributions of facial shape, skin texture and viewing angle to the detection of these traits, while controlling for crucial posture variables. After controlling for such cues, participants were able to identify Agreeableness, Neuroticism, and Physical Health. For personality traits, we found a reliable laterality bias, in that the right side of the face afforded higher accuracy than the left. The separate contributions of shape and texture cues varied with the traits being judged. Our findings are consistent with signaling theories suggesting multiple channels to convey multiple messages.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1037/a0027078
Uncontrolled keywords: Faces; Health; Laterality; Personality; Three-dimensional
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Robin Kramer
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2013 10:26 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33297 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Kramer, Robin S. S..

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