The facial width‐to‐height ratio determines interpersonal distance preferences in the observer
Bibliographic Data
Facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is correlated with a number of aspects of aggressive behavior in men. Observers appear to be able to assess aggressiveness from male fWHR, but implications for interpersonal distance preferences have not yet been determined. This study utilized a novel computerized stop-distance task to examine interpersonal space preferences of female participants who envisioned being approached by a man; men's faces photographed posed in neutral facial expressions were shown in increasing size to mimic approach. We explored the effect of the men's fWHR, their behavioral aggression (measured previously in a computer game), and women's ratings of the men's aggressiveness, attractiveness, and masculinity on the preferred interpersonal distance of 52 German women. Hierarchical linear modelling confirmed the relationship between the fWHR and trait judgements (ratings of aggressiveness, attractiveness, and masculinity). There were effects of fWHR and actual aggression on the preferred interpersonal distance, even when controlling statistically for men's and the participants' age. Ratings of attractiveness, however, was the most influential variable predicting preferred interpersonal distance. Our results extend earlier findings on fWHR as a cue of aggressiveness in men by demonstrating implications for social interaction. In conclusion, women are able to accurately detect aggressiveness in emotionally neutral facial expressions, and adapt their social distance preferences accordingly
Aggression · Attractiveness · Developmental psychology · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal relationship · Physical attractiveness · Trait · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology
Facial Metrics, Aggression, and the Use of Military Force
Contextual factors that heighten interest in coalitional alliances with men possessing formidable facial structures
Women's sensitivity to threat in online dating and the (in)effectiveness of standard safety warnings
When faces and voices come together
The role of testosterone in odor-based perceptions of social status
Facial width-to-height ratio in a Turkish population is not sexually dimorphic and is unrelated to aggressive behavior
Detection of propensity for aggression based on facial structure irrespective of face race
Telling facial metrics
Male facial width is associated with death by contact violence
Does the facial width-to-height ratio map onto variability in men's testosterone concentrations?
Facial attractiveness
Male facial attractiveness
Variability in photos of the same face
Effects of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness
Valid Facial Cues to Cooperation and Trust
Facial Structure Is a Reliable Cue of Aggressive Behavior
Approach and avoidance in fear of spiders
Consequences of Automatic Evaluation
Male facial appearance signals physical strength to women
The Effects of Fear and Anger Facial Expressions on Approach- and Avoidance-Related Behaviors
Laboratory measures of aggressive responding in male parolees with violent and nonviolent histories
Face of a fighter
Body weight, not facial width-to-height ratio, predicts aggression in pro hockey players
Sexual Selection on Human Faces and Voices
Gender, sexual orientation, and truth‐of‐consensus in studies of physical attractiveness
Picking teams
Enhancing static facial features increases intimidation
The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research
Personal space and self-protection
The Perceptual Determinants of Person Construal
The Evolutionary Psychology of Facial Beauty
Personal space
| Unique citing works | 5 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,25 |
| Citation span | 2022 - 2025 (4) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |