Beauty is only skin deep - George may be pretty but also selfish

Beauty, it seems, is only skin deep...

August 16 2011 at 08:42pm

By PAUL SIMS

The likes of George Clooney and Natalie Portman aren't that perfect after all.

But the likes of George Clooney and Natalie Portman aren’t that perfect after all. Beauty, it seems, is only skin deep...

Researchers found that those with symmetrical facial features, regarded by many as the more attractive, are significantly more selfish than us “mere mortals”.

They were less likely to co-operate in pursuit of the greater good and more likely to feather their own nests.

In part of the study, participants could choose to be a “dove”, co-operating with others for shared benefit, or take on the role of a “hawk”. As “hawks” they would gain more if the other participant chose to be a “dove”.

Scientists then analysed their faces and found those with more symmetrical facial features were more inclined to be hawks.

“As people with symmetrical faces tend to be healthier and more attractive, they are also more self-sufficient and have less of an incentive to co-operate and seek help from others,” the study reported.

The team also examined the facial features of 292 people aged 83 who took part in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921, a study that has followed the participants throughout their life.

They analysed 15 facial “landmarks” and found that those with asymmetrical faces were less healthy and more likely to have had deprived childhoods.

A lack of nutrition, illness, exposure to cigarette smoke and pollution, all left their mark. Deep lines across their faces and weather-beaten skin were instant giveaways about their hard lives.

But whilst there was a strong link between social class and facial symmetry in men, the connection in women was less clear. Professor Ian Deary, from the department of psychology at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cognitive Ageing, said: “Facial symmetry is a marker of developmental stability: the body’s ability to withstand environmental stressors and not be knocked off its developmental path.

“The results indicated that it is deprivation in early life that leaves some impression on the face.” - Daily Mail

pattygirl wrote:And this is a bad thing? Of course, we can punch numerous holes in this study. I like the part where they examined faces on 292 people aged 83 and found those w/asymmetrical faces less healthy. They cited various reasons. These people went through the Depression and WWII. Of course lack of nutrition comes into play. No one who has reached 83 yrs of age hasn't experienced illness, cigarette smoke and pollution. How many people of that age do you see with smooth, soft unwrinkled skin.

cindigirl wrote:Your mother went from 2 packs a day to 0. I wish someone would give me the secret formula for quitting smoking. I smoke around 12 cigarettes a day and am desperately trying to quit "cold turkey." Smoking is evil and more than just a bad habit. It's an addiciton.

cindigirl wrote:Lucy, thanks for that. You're right. I'm going to try though.

Charley, $10-12 a pack in Oz? Good grief. And I thought NJ taxes were high.