Abstract
To assess the aesthetic equivalence of different representations of the human face, attractiveness ratings were collected for sets of faces shown in front vs. profile view photographs (Study 1) and in outline silhouettes vs. profile photographs (Study 2). Both studies showed moderate correlations, and thus a degree of aesthetic equivalence, between the pairs of representations. However, significant interactions between mode of representation and stimulus person also showed that the representations are not equivalent for all individuals. These results suggest that attempts to develop metrics that predict physical attractiveness from the physical structure of the face should be based not on any single two-dimensional view, but either on multiple views or on three-dimensional representations.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, G. R. Physical attractiveness research: Toward a developmental social psychology of beauty. Human Development, 1977, 20, 217–239.
Berscheid, E. An overview of the psychological effects of physical attractiveness. In G. W. Lucker, K. A. Ribbens, & J. A. McNamara, Jr. (Eds.), Psychological aspects of facial form. Ann Arbor, Mich: Center for Human Growth and Development, 1980.
Bowker, W. D., & Meredith, H. V. A metric analysis of the facial profile. Angle Orthodontist, 1959, 29, 149–160.
Burstone, C. J. The integumental profile. American Journal of Orthodontics, 1958, 44, 1–25.
Cox, N. H., & van der Linden, F. P. G. M. Facial harmony. American Journal of Orthodontics, 1971, 60, 175–183.
Lines, P. A., Lines, R. R., & Lines, C. A. Profilemetrics and facial esthetics. American Journal of Orthodontics, 1978, 73, 648–657.
Lucker, G. W. Esthetics and a quantitative analysis of facial appearance. In G. W. Lucker, K. A. Ribbens, & J. A. McNamara, Jr. (Eds.), Psychological aspects of facial form. Ann Arbor, Mich: Center for Human Growth and Development, 1980.
Peck, H., & Peck, S. A concept of facial esthetics. Angle Orthodontist, 1970, 40, 284–318.
Ricketts, R. M. The biological significance of the devine proportion and Fibonacci series. American Journal of Orthodontics, 1982, 81, 351–370.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
We wish to thank Sam Weinstein of the University of Connecticut Dental School for access to the Denver Growth Study records, and Michael Brown, Mary Herrin, and Ann Orlicek for collecting the data. This research was supported in part by a grant to Robert E. Shaw from the National Institute of Dental Research (DE04990) and by a bequest from Marie Wilson Howells to the U.A.L.R. Psychology Department.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pittenger, J.B., Johnson, D.F. & Mark, L.S. Aesthetic equivalence of three representations of the face. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 21, 111–114 (1983). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329968
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329968