Facial Width-to-Height Ratio Does Not Predict Self-Reported Behavioral Tendencies

TL;DR

This large-scale study found no significant evidence linking facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) with various self-reported behavioral tendencies, challenging previous claims based on smaller samples and laboratory settings.

Contribution

The study provides robust evidence that fWHR does not predict self-reported behavioral tendencies in a large, diverse sample, questioning prior associations.

Findings

fWHR is not linked with personality traits or impulsiveness

No association between fWHR and life satisfaction

Challenges previous laboratory-based findings

Abstract

A growing number of studies have linked facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) with various antisocial or violent behavioral tendencies. However, those studies have predominantly been laboratory based and low powered. This work reexamined the links between fWHR and behavioral tendencies in a large sample of 137,163 participants. Behavioral tendencies were measured using 55 well-established psychometric scales, including self-report scales measuring intelligence, domains and facets of the five-factor model of personality, impulsiveness, sense of fairness, sensational interests, self-monitoring, impression management, and satisfaction with life. The findings revealed that fWHR is not substantially linked with any of these self-reported measures of behavioral tendencies, calling into question whether the links between fWHR and behavior generalize beyond the small samples and specific experimental settings that have been used in past fWHR research.