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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Viewing cute images increases behavioral carefulness
Gary D Sherman1, Jonathan Haidt, James A Coan
1Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4400, USA. gds6d@virginia.edu
Abstract:
Infantile physical morphology-marked by its "cuteness"-is thought to be a potent elicitor of caregiving, yet little is known about how cuteness may shape immediate behavior. To examine the function of cuteness and its role in caregiving, the authors tested whether perceiving cuteness can enhance behavioral carefulness, which would facilitate caring for a small, delicate child. In 2 experiments, viewing very cute images (puppies and kittens)-as opposed to slightly cute images (dogs and cats)-led to superior performance on a subsequent fine-motor dexterity task (the children's game "Operation"). This suggests that the human sensitivity to those possessing cute features may be an adaptation that facilitates caring for delicate human young.
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