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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

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Published on: November 4, 2025

Facial Width-to-Height Ratio Does Not Predict Self-Reported Behavioral Tendencies.

Michal Kosinski¹

¹Graduate School of Business, Stanford University.

Psychological Science

|October 5, 2017

Summary

Facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is not substantially linked to antisocial behavior tendencies in a large study. Previous research findings may not generalize beyond small lab settings.

Keywords:

fWHR facial width-to-height ratio five-factor model impression management impulsiveness intelligence open data personality satisfaction with life self-monitoring sensational interests sense of fairness

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Behavioral Science
Human Behavior

Background:

Previous studies suggest a link between facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) and antisocial or violent behaviors.
However, these studies were often laboratory-based and lacked sufficient statistical power.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-examine the association between fWHR and behavioral tendencies.
To investigate if previously reported links generalize to a larger, more diverse sample.

Main Methods:

Utilized a large dataset of 137,163 participants.
Assessed behavioral tendencies using 55 psychometric scales, including personality, impulsiveness, and life satisfaction.

Main Results:

No substantial links were found between fWHR and self-reported measures of behavioral tendencies.
Findings challenge the generalizability of previous research on fWHR and behavior.

Conclusions:

The association between facial width-to-height ratio and behavioral tendencies is questionable.
Results suggest that links between fWHR and behavior do not generalize beyond small, specific experimental settings.