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Symmetry and perceived facial attractiveness: a monozygotic co-twin comparison
L Mealey1, R Bridgstock, G C Townsend
1School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia. lmealey@csbsju.edu
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|February 11, 1999
Summary
Facial symmetry significantly influences perceived attractiveness in humans. More symmetrical faces are consistently rated as more attractive, with greater symmetry differences correlating with larger attractiveness differences between twins.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Human Behavior
- Facial Morphology
Background:
- Facial symmetry is a recognized correlate of physical attractiveness across species.
- Investigating symmetry's role is complex due to multiple variance sources and correlations with other attractiveness factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the specific role of facial symmetry in perceived facial attractiveness.
- To control for developmental and genetic covariates by studying monozygotic twins.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of symmetry and attractiveness differentials between monozygotic (genetically identical) co-twins.
- Controlled analysis to isolate the effect of symmetry on attractiveness perception.
Main Results:
- The more symmetrical twin in each pair was consistently rated as more attractive.
- The degree of difference in perceived attractiveness between twins directly correlated with the degree of difference in their facial symmetry.
Conclusions:
- Facial symmetry is a significant independent predictor of perceived facial attractiveness.
- The findings support the hypothesis that symmetry plays a crucial role in human mate selection and social perception.