1
|
Versluys TMM, Flintham EO, Mas-Sandoval A, Savolainen V. Why do we pick similar mates, or do we? Biol Lett 2021; 17:20210463. [PMID: 34813721 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans often mate with those resembling themselves, a phenomenon described as positive assortative mating (PAM). The causes of this attract broad interest, but there is little agreement on the topic. This may be because empirical studies and reviews sometimes focus on just a few explanations, often based on disciplinary conventions. This review presents an interdisciplinary conceptual framework on the causes of PAM in humans, drawing on human and non-human biology, the social sciences, and the humanities. Viewing causality holistically, we first discuss the proximate causes (i.e. the 'how') of PAM, considering three mechanisms: stratification, convergence and mate choice. We also outline methods to control for confounders when studying mate choice. We then discuss ultimate explanations (i.e. 'the why') for PAM, including adaptive and non-adaptive processes. We conclude by suggesting a focus on interdisciplinarity in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M M Versluys
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan O Flintham
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Mas-Sandoval
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Savolainen
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Donnachie M, Jones B, Jahoda A. Facial attraction: an exploratory study of the judgements made by people with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:452-463. [PMID: 33615602 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although romantic or sexual attraction is a major research topic in the general population, little is known about people with intellectual disabilities' (ID) views of attractiveness. METHODS Fifty-eight participants (16-40 years) took part in this exploratory study, 29 with ID and 29 without ID. Participants were shown 50 images of men or women's faces and asked to rate how attractive they thought the faces were. RESULTS A strong association was found between what men and women with ID and those without ID considered attractive in romantic partners. However, people with ID were more likely to consider themselves desirable to others. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that people with mild ID make the same subtle judgements about facial attraction as other individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Donnachie
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - B Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Jahoda
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Jager S, Coetzee N, Coetzee V. Facial Adiposity, Attractiveness, and Health: A Review. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2562. [PMID: 30622491 PMCID: PMC6308207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between facial cues and perceptions of health and attractiveness in others plays an influential role in our social interactions and mating behaviors. Several facial cues have historically been investigated in this regard, with facial adiposity being the newest addition. Evidence is mounting that a robust link exists between facial adiposity and attractiveness, as well as perceived health. Facial adiposity has also been linked to various health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, blood pressure, immune function, diabetes, arthritis, oxidative stress, hormones, and mental health. Though recent advances in the analysis of facial morphology has led to significant strides in the description and quantification of facial cues, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a great deal of nuance in the way that humans use and integrate facial cues to form coherent social or health judgments of others. This paper serves as a review of the current literature on the relationship between facial adiposity, attractiveness, and health. A key component in utilizing facial adiposity as a cue to health and attractiveness perceptions is that people need to be able to estimate body mass from facial cues. To estimate the strength of the relationship between perceived facial adiposity and body mass, a meta-analysis was conducted on studies that quantified the relationship between perceived facial adiposity and BMI/percentage body fat. Summary effect size estimates indicate that participants could reliably estimate BMI from facial cues alone (r = 0.71, n = 458).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan de Jager
- Department of Psychology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.,Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nicoleen Coetzee
- Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Vinet Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang G, Ekeleme-Egedigwe CA, El Hamdouchi A, Sauciuvenaite J, Bissland R, Djafarian K, Ojiambo R, Ramuth H, Holasek S, Lackner S, Diouf A, Hambly C, Vaanholt LM, Cao M, Hacker M, Kruger HS, Seru T, Faries MD, Speakman JR. Beauty and the Body of the Beholder: Raters' BMI Has Only Limited Association with Ratings of Attractiveness of the Opposite Sex. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2018; 26:522-530. [PMID: 29464908 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assortative mating for adiposity increases the genetic burden on offspring, but its causes remain unclear. One hypothesis is that people who have high adiposity find other people with obesity more physically attractive than lean people. METHODS The attractiveness of sets of images of males and females who varied in adiposity were rated by opposite sex subjects (559 males and 340 females) across 12 countries. RESULTS There was tremendous individual variability in attractiveness ratings. For female attractiveness, most males favored the leanest subjects, but others favored intermediate fatness, some were indifferent to body composition, and others rated the subjects with obesity as most attractive. For male images rated by females, the patterns were more complex. Most females favored subjects with low levels of adiposity (but not the lowest level), whereas others were indifferent to body fatness or rated the images depicting individuals with obesity as the most attractive. These patterns were unrelated to rater BMI. Among Caucasian males who rated the images of the thinnest females as being more attractive, the magnitude of the effect depended on rater BMI, indicating limited "mutual attraction." CONCLUSIONS Individual variations in ratings of physical attractiveness were broadly unrelated to rater BMI and suggest that mutual attraction is an unlikely explanation for assortative mating for obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Chima A Ekeleme-Egedigwe
- Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Ndufu Alike lkwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Asmaa El Hamdouchi
- National Energy Center of Nuclear Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Joint Research Unit of Nutrition and Food, CNESTEN-Ibn Tofail University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Justina Sauciuvenaite
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ruth Bissland
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kurosh Djafarian
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Robert Ojiambo
- Medical Physiology Department, College of Health Science, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Harris Ramuth
- Biochemistry Department, Central Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Port Louis, Mauritius
| | - Sandra Holasek
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sonja Lackner
- Center of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Adama Diouf
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Catherine Hambly
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lobke M Vaanholt
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Minxuan Cao
- Department of Biology, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Megan Hacker
- Department of Sports Medicine, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, USA
| | - Herculina S Kruger
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tumelo Seru
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mark D Faries
- Family and Community Health Unit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Humanities in Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - John R Speakman
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qasim A, Turcotte M, de Souza RJ, Samaan MC, Champredon D, Dushoff J, Speakman JR, Meyre D. On the origin of obesity: identifying the biological, environmental and cultural drivers of genetic risk among human populations. Obes Rev 2018; 19:121-149. [PMID: 29144594 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic predisposition to obesity presents a paradox: how do genetic variants with a detrimental impact on human health persist through evolutionary time? Numerous hypotheses, such as the thrifty genotype hypothesis, attempt to explain this phenomenon yet fail to provide a justification for the modern obesity epidemic. In this critical review, we appraise existing theories explaining the evolutionary origins of obesity and explore novel biological and sociocultural agents of evolutionary change to help explain the modern-day distribution of obesity-predisposing variants. Genetic drift, acting as a form of 'blind justice,' may randomly affect allele frequencies across generations while gene pleiotropy and adaptations to diverse environments may explain the rise and subsequent selection of obesity risk alleles. As an adaptive response, epigenetic regulation of gene expression may impact the manifestation of genetic predisposition to obesity. Finally, exposure to malnutrition and disease epidemics in the wake of oppressive social systems, culturally mediated notions of attractiveness and desirability, and diverse mating systems may play a role in shaping the human genome. As an important first step towards the identification of important drivers of obesity gene evolution, this review may inform empirical research focused on testing evolutionary theories by way of population genetics and mathematical modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Qasim
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M Turcotte
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - R J de Souza
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M C Samaan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - D Champredon
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Dushoff
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - J R Speakman
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - D Meyre
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo S. Assortative mating and couple similarity: Patterns, mechanisms, and consequences. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Luo
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hahn AC, Fisher CI, DeBruine LM, Jones BC. Sex-Specificity in the Reward Value of Facial Attractiveness. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2016; 45:871-875. [PMID: 25868402 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the sex-specificity of sexual arousal in adults (i.e., the tendency to respond more strongly to preferred-sex individuals than non-preferred sex individuals) have suggested that heterosexual men, homosexual men, and homosexual women show stronger sex-specific responses than do heterosexual women. Evidence for a similar pattern of results in studies investigating the reward value of faces is equivocal. Consequently, we investigated the effects of (1) sexual orientation (homosexual vs. heterosexual), (2) sex (male vs. female), (3) image sex (preferred-sex vs. non-preferred-sex), and (4) the physical attractiveness of the individual shown in the image on the reward value of faces. Participants were 130 heterosexual men, 130 homosexual men, 130 heterosexual women, and 130 homosexual women. The reward value of faces was assessed using a standard key-press task. Multilevel modeling of responses indicated that images of preferred-sex individuals were more rewarding than images of non-preferred-sex individuals and that this preferred-sex bias was particularly pronounced when more physically attractive faces were presented. These effects were not qualified by interactions involving either the sexual orientation or the sex of our participants, however, suggesting that the preferred-sex bias in the reward value of faces is similar in heterosexual men, homosexual men, heterosexual women, and homosexual women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Hahn
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Claire I Fisher
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, Scotland, UK
| | - Lisa M DeBruine
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, Scotland, UK
| | - Benedict C Jones
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QB, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Testing the Utility of a Data-Driven Approach for Assessing BMI from Face Images. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140347. [PMID: 26460526 PMCID: PMC4603950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that facial cues of adiposity may be important for human social interaction. However, tests for quantifiable cues of body mass index (BMI) in the face have examined only a small number of facial proportions and these proportions were found to have relatively low predictive power. Here we employed a data-driven approach in which statistical models were built using principal components (PCs) derived from objectively defined shape and color characteristics in face images. The predictive power of these models was then compared with models based on previously studied facial proportions (perimeter-to-area ratio, width-to-height ratio, and cheek-to-jaw width). Models based on 2D shape-only PCs, color-only PCs, and 2D shape and color PCs combined each performed significantly and substantially better than models based on one or more of the previously studied facial proportions. A non-linear PC model considering both 2D shape and color PCs was the best predictor of BMI. These results highlight the utility of a “bottom-up”, data-driven approach for assessing BMI from face images.
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
People can reliably infer various traits, states, and group memberships from minimal cues. Despite impressive demonstrations of the breadth of social perception, however, few studies have critically examined the sensitivity and limits of social perception in specific quantitative terms. Here, we investigated the just noticeable difference for perceptions of a facial trait with profound consequences for social behavior, that is, facial attractiveness. Building on research examining facial adiposity, we determined the changes in body mass index needed to meaningfully alter perceivers’ judgments of weight and attractiveness. Although perceivers recognized differences as small as 1.33 kg/m2, changes of roughly twice that size (2.38 kg/m2 and 2.59 kg/m2 for women and men, respectively) were necessary to alter attractiveness. These findings contribute to a greater basic understanding of the precision and limits of social perception and may provide information of value to medical practitioners and individuals seeking to manage changes in weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Re
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas O. Rule
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hahn AC, Symons LA, Kredel T, Hanson K, Hodgson L, Schiavone L, Jantzen KJ. Early and late event-related potentials are modulated by infant and adult faces of high and low attractiveness. Soc Neurosci 2015; 11:207-20. [PMID: 26160142 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2015.1059361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The processing of infant faces may be somewhat distinct from that of adult faces. Indeed, recent neuroimaging studies have provided evidence of an early, "baby-specific" neural response whereby infant faces are perceived more rapidly than adult faces. Using event-related potentials, the present study aimed to determine whether the preferential response to infant faces is present at both early and late stages of face processing, and to investigate the effects of esthetic appearance on the processing of adult and infant faces by directly manipulating the perceived attractiveness or cuteness within a given face identity. Here, we find evidence for enhanced processing of infant faces, relative to adult faces, at both early (N170, P2) and late (LPC) stages of face processing. We also find that the esthetic appearance of both infant and adult faces modulates early neural responses, with enhanced responses to less attractive/cute faces as compared to more attractive/cute faces. Overall, our results provide additional evidence for a preferential response to infant faces at early stages of processing, and provide new evidence that this preferential response occurs at later stages of face processing as well, independent of the esthetic quality of the face or observer sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Hahn
- a Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
| | - Lawrence A Symons
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| | - Taylor Kredel
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| | - Kevin Hanson
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| | - Lianne Hodgson
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| | - Lori Schiavone
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| | - K J Jantzen
- b Department of Psychology , Western Washington University , Bellingham , WA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wincenciak J, Fincher CL, Fisher CI, Hahn AC, Jones BC, DeBruine LM. Mate choice, mate preference, and biological markets: the relationship between partner choice and health preference is modulated by women's own attractiveness. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|