Were the Physiognomists Right?

Abstract

Research has revealed that feature babyishness exerts a powerful impact on perceptions of faces. Whereas previous work has focused on the perceptual consequences of such variations in facial configuration, the present study examined the psychological ramifications of exhibiting a particular facial appearance. Specifically, we asked whether baby faced adults perceive themselves in the same way that others do. Facial photographs of 24 male and 24 female stimulus persons were rated on babyishness, physical attractiveness, and several trait dimensions. Facial babyishness was positively correlated with appearance-based perceptions of physical and social weakness and approachability. The stimulus persons also completed several personality scales and rated their own facial babyishness and attractiveness. Relationships between objective and self-ratings of baby facedness and personality measures were revealed, and these paralleled impressions formed about the stimulus persons on the basis of facial appearance alone. Conditions under which a congruence between self and appearance-based perceptions are most likely to develop are discussed.