Do Skin Color, Facial Shape and Facial Width to Height Ratio (fWHR) Play a Role in Black Male Facial Evaluation?

EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 7, Special Issue 2, 2015

Title
Do Skin Color, Facial Shape and Facial Width to Height Ratio (fWHR) Play a Role in Black Male Facial Evaluation?

Author(s)
Wade, T. J., & Renninger, L.

Abstract
The present research sought to determine how skin color, facial shape, and facial width to height ratio (fWHR) affect ratings of 10 Black male facial shapes. Based on evolutionary theory and prior research, the rectangular, quadratic, inverted trapezium, and pentagonal faces were hypothesized to receive the highest attractiveness, dominance, maturity, masculinity, strength, and social competence ratings. Additionally, faces with higher fWHRs were expected to receive higher dominance, strength, and masculinity ratings. Smaller, round or oval faces were hypothesized to receive highest warmth ratings. The results were partially consistent with these hypotheses. The examination of the effect of skin color was exploratory. Skin color did not affect ratings of the faces. These findings are discussed in terms of evolutionary adaptations and prior research.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/IAIM6192

How to cite this article:
Wade, T. J., & Renninger, L. (2016). Do skin color, facial shape and facial width to height ratio (fWHR) play a role in black male facial evaluation? The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium7, Sp. Iss. (2), 22-37.

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