Social status moderates the relationship between facial structure and aggression.
Stefan M M Goetz1, Kraig S Shattuck, Robert M Miller
1Wayne State University.
Psychological Science
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR) predicts aggression, but only in individuals with lower social status. This finding highlights how social context influences the link between facial structure and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Facial structure, specifically facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR), is increasingly linked to social behaviors like aggression.
- Previous research suggests FWHR may be an honest signal of underlying traits.
- The moderating role of social status in this relationship remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether social status moderates the association between FWHR and aggression.
- To extend previous findings by examining this relationship in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Assessed FWHR and self-reported social status in 237 college students, correlating these with aggressive behavior.
- Study 2: Analyzed FWHR and salary (as an objective measure of status) in 891 professional hockey players, correlating with penalty minutes (a proxy for aggression).
Main Results:
- In college men, higher FWHR correlated with aggression only in those reporting low social status.
- In hockey players, higher FWHR correlated with penalty minutes only in those with lower salaries.
- These results indicate a significant interaction between FWHR and social status.
Conclusions:
- Social status is a critical moderator of the relationship between facial structure and aggression.
- FWHR is a reliable predictor of aggressive behavior, but its expression is contingent on an individual's social standing.
- These findings contribute to understanding the evolutionary and social underpinnings of human aggression.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions are an evolutionary adaptation for communication. He argued that these expressions are not influenced by culture but are universal across species. For example, a snarling expression with exposed teeth signals a threat in many animals, including humans. Darwin also suggested that displaying an emotion can intensify the feeling. Smiling, for example, could enhance one's sense of happiness. This idea laid the foundation for understanding the role of...
01:21Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Physical attractiveness plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal attraction, influencing first impressions, social interactions, and long-term relationship dynamics. Psychological research consistently demonstrates that attractiveness affects social evaluations and behavioral outcomes in various contexts.Influence on Social InteractionsResearch has shown that individuals perceived as physically attractive often experience preferential treatment in social and professional settings. One...
01:47Aggression
Humans engage in aggression when they seek to cause harm or pain to another person. Aggression takes two forms depending on one’s motives: hostile or instrumental. Hostile aggression is motivated by feelings of anger with intent to cause pain; a fight in a bar with a stranger is an example of hostile aggression. In contrast, instrumental aggression is motivated by achieving a goal and does not necessarily involve intent to cause pain (Berkowitz, 1993); a contract killer who murders for hire...
01:30Causes of Social Behavior I: Actions and Characteristics of Individuals
The actions and characteristics of others heavily influence the causes of social behaviors. Emotional expressions serve as powerful social signals, shaping behaviors and interactions in significant ways. Whether through direct observation or subconscious processing, individuals constantly adjust their responses based on the emotions and attributes of those around them.Emotional Cues and Social ResponsesFacial expressions, tone of voice, and body language provide crucial emotional cues that...
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...