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Does facial attractiveness really signal immunocompetence?
Benedict C Jones1, Iris J Holzleitner2, Victor Shiramizu1
1School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|October 9, 2021
Summary
Facial attractiveness is not primarily linked to immune system health. New research suggests lifestyle factors are more influential in perceptions of health and attractiveness.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human behavior
- Health sciences
Background:
- The dominant evolutionary theory posits facial attractiveness signals immune health.
- This theory suggests attractiveness evolved to identify healthy mates with strong immune systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the empirical support for the immune-system-based theory of facial attractiveness.
- To propose and explore an alternative theory emphasizing lifestyle health.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of recent empirical studies testing the immune hypothesis.
- Conceptual development of a lifestyle-based alternative.
Main Results:
- Current evidence provides little compelling support for the hypothesis that facial attractiveness evolved to signal immune system strength.
- Existing research does not consistently link facial attractiveness to indicators of immune function.
Conclusions:
- The traditional evolutionary theory of facial attractiveness lacks robust empirical backing.
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may play a more significant role in perceived facial health and attractiveness than immune system status.
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