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Different signals of personality and health from the two sides of the face

Kramer, Robin S. S., Ward, Robert (2011) Different signals of personality and health from the two sides of the face. Perception, 40 (5). pp. 549-562. ISSN 0301-0066. (doi:10.1068/p6856) (KAR id:33330)

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Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1068/p6856

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrate that people with different personality traits have different-looking faces.We investigated whether personality and health information are differently signaled by the two hemifaces. Using composite images created from women with high and low scores on health and personality dimensions, we investigated discrimination accuracy with original and mirrored hemifaces. By comparing discrimination accuracy for particular types of hemiface, we address issues regarding both the location of information signals and how these signals are conveyed. From the hemiface stimuli, participants could accurately identify three of the Big Five traits, along with health. We found differences in which hemiface could be more accurately identified, depending on the expressed trait. Emotional stability and health were more accura-tely discriminated from the right hemiface, while extraversion showed higher accuracy from the left hemiface. We found evidence for differences between hemifaces related to both directional asymmetries and to other information content. Finally, our results also address ongoing debate about which side of the face is more attractive, as we found attractiveness differences between hemifaces depended upon the personality trait most clearly expressed.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1068/p6856
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Robin Kramer
Date Deposited: 07 Mar 2013 11:59 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33330 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Kramer, Robin S. S..

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