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Individual Aesthetic Preferences for Faces Are Shaped Mostly by Environments, Not Genes
Laura Germine1, Richard Russell2, P Matthew Bronstad3
1Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|October 7, 2015
Summary
Individual differences in face attractiveness judgments are primarily shaped by unique environmental factors, not genetics. This contrasts with face recognition, highlighting the role of experience in shaping beauty preferences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Human face attractiveness judgments show both universal patterns (e.g., symmetry) and significant individual variation.
- The origins of these individual differences in face preferences are not fully understood.
- Previous research suggests genetic factors influence many behavioral traits, but environmental influences on aesthetic preferences are also recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological origins (genetic vs. environmental) of individual differences in human face attractiveness preferences.
- To determine if face preferences are influenced by genetic factors, unique environmental factors, or shared environmental factors.
- To compare the etiological basis of face attractiveness judgments with that of face identity recognition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a twin design to estimate the relative contributions of genetic and environmental variance to individual face preferences.
- Developed and validated reliable measures for individual face preferences (IP).
- Dissociated face attractiveness judgments from other types of attractiveness judgments (e.g., scenes, objects).
Main Results:
- Individual face preferences (IP) can be reliably measured and are distinct from other attractiveness judgments.
- Individual face preferences are predominantly influenced by unique environmental factors, not genetic variations.
- This finding contrasts sharply with individual differences in face identity recognition, which are primarily genetic.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in face attractiveness judgments are shaped primarily by individual experiences and environments.
- This study demonstrates a double dissociation between the etiological influences on face identity recognition (genetic) and face attractiveness judgments (environmental).
- The findings underscore the significant impact of environmental factors on the development of aesthetic preferences and social perception.
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