Adding more to the mix: examining facial attractiveness and different racial combinations

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

    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 languageEnglish
    Pages18
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    EventAustralasian Experimental Psychology Conference (38th : 2011) - Auckland
    Duration: 28 Apr 201130 Apr 2011

    Conference

    ConferenceAustralasian Experimental Psychology Conference (38th : 2011)
    CityAuckland
    Period28/04/1130/04/11

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