The effect of facial symmetry on perceptions of personality and attractiveness

The present study examined the effect of facial symmetry on perceptions of personality and physical attractiveness. Digital photographs of female targets were manipulated into symmetrical and asymmetrical versions and then presented to undergraduate raters along with the "normal" photograph, which was not manipulated for symmetry. Based on the hypothesis that facial symmetry is used as an indicator of health, we predicted that the asymmetrical version of the faces would be perceived as more Neurotic, but less Extraverted, Open, Agreeable, Conscientious, and attractive, relative to the other versions. As predicted, the asymmetrical faces were rated as significantly more Neurotic, less Agreeable and less Conscientious than the normal versions. However, facial symmetry did not affect ratings of Openness and Extraversion, nor did it affect ratings of attractiveness. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.