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Bad to the bone: facial structure predicts unethical behaviour
Michael P Haselhuhn1, Elaine M Wong
1University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3202 N. Maryland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. haselhuh@uwm.edu
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Facial width-to-height ratio predicts unethical behavior in men. Wider faces correlate with deception and cheating, mediated by a psychological sense of power, challenging prior evolutionary psychology consensus.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Primates
- Behavioral biology
Background:
- Establishing an evolutionary basis for morality is a long-standing research goal.
- Social and cognitive adaptations supporting ethical behavior are identified.
- A consensus exists that physical traits do not reliably predict unethical actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the view that physical traits are unreliable predictors of unethical behavior.
- To investigate if genetically determined physical traits can predict unethical actions.
- To explore the role of facial metrics in ethical judgment and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted to analyze the relationship between facial metrics and unethical behavior.
- Facial width-to-height ratio was identified as a key physical attribute.
- The mediating role of the psychological sense of power was examined.
Main Results:
- Men with wider facial width-to-height ratios were more likely to deceive counterparts in negotiations.
- Men with wider faces demonstrated greater willingness to cheat for financial gain.
- The link between facial metrics and unethical behavior was mediated by a psychological sense of power.
Conclusions:
- Static physical attributes, specifically facial metrics, can reliably predict unethical behavior.
- Evolutionary forces play a role in shaping ethical judgment and behavior.
- Facial width-to-height ratio serves as a cue for immoral action in men.
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