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Men's facial width-to-height ratio predicts aggression: a meta-analysis
Michael P Haselhuhn1, Margaret E Ormiston2, Elaine M Wong1
1School of Business Administration, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America.
Plos One
|April 8, 2015
Summary
Facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) in men may predict aggression. A meta-analysis confirmed a small, significant positive link between higher fWHR and aggressive behavior, synthesizing existing research on this facial trait predictor.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human behavior studies
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) has been proposed as a predictor of male aggression.
- Replication studies have yielded mixed results, questioning the robustness of the fWHR-aggression link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing research on the relationship between men's fWHR and aggression.
- To statistically estimate the overall effect size of fWHR on aggressive tendencies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted.
- Existing empirical studies investigating the fWHR-aggression relationship were systematically reviewed and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A small but statistically significant positive association was found between men's fWHR and aggression.
- The meta-analysis supports a consistent, albeit modest, predictive relationship.
Conclusions:
- Men's facial width-to-height ratio is a reliable, though small, predictor of aggressive behavior.
- Further research may explore the mechanisms underlying this anthropometric-behavioral association.
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