DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY- HUMAN BEHAVIOR RESEARCH | face and body

It is known that humans can judge other persons’ intentions, emotions and personality in a fraction of seconds and use facial characteristics as so called “honest cues” when looking for a potential mate. However, it is largely unknown what source of information is used, or if humans simply apply learned social constructs. The results of our recent research imply that there is a “kernel of truth”, i.e. these judgments are made upon biological information that is indeed encoded in the appearance and behavior of our conspecifics. From an evolutionary viewpoint this makes sense for both sender and receiver since such signals cannot be faked and therefore provide honest information about their bearer.

Shape regressions of attractiveness on female average bodies. From Schaefer, K., Fink, B., Grammer, K., Mitteroecker, P., Gunz, P. (2006). Female appearance: facial and bodily attractiveness as shape. Psychology Science 48, 2, 187-204.

Reproductive Success

2D:4D

Male Facial Attractiveness

Symmetry

2D:4D and face form

Angry females

Facial form change during ovulation

n-dimensional

Skin texture and female beauty

Body & Face

Skin texture and age

Cars and Faces

UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA