Abstract
Recent studies have shown that facial images created by ‗morphing‘ faces from two different races are generally rated as being more attractive than single-race component faces. It has been suggested that the morphology of mixed-race faces can be considered a marker for heterozygosity, and hence increased immunocompetence – an attractive trait in mate selection. The current study aimed to examine whether greater racial diversity is associated with greater attractiveness, or whether attractiveness peaks at an optimal level. We created morphed stimuli using faces from one, two or three racial groups, and sought attractiveness ratings from observers whose race was, or was not included in the test stimuli. The data suggest a positive relationship between ratings of attractiveness and number of racial groups contributing to the test face. However, the influence of observer race was less clear. The implications of these findings for current theories of attractiveness will be discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 18 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Event | Australasian Experimental Psychology Conference (38th : 2011) - Auckland Duration: 28 Apr 2011 → 30 Apr 2011 |
Conference
Conference | Australasian Experimental Psychology Conference (38th : 2011) |
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City | Auckland |
Period | 28/04/11 → 30/04/11 |