First impression formation: Impact of lower anterior facial height in a gender- and ethnicity-diverse photographic model

Introduction This study investigated whether variations in lower anterior facial height (LAFH) influence the perception of personality traits and attractiveness in frontal facial photographs from a multi-ethnic sample. Methods Standardized photographs of 10 subjects (1 male and 1 female from 5 ethnic groups: Caucasian [white], African American, Asian, Indian, and Hispanic) were selected from the Chicago Face Database (version 3.0). Each image was digitally modified to alter LAFH by ± 3% increments (2-6 mm), producing 5 versions per subject. Each set of 5 images was presented in a random order to a panel of raters, who identified the image best representing 4 traits (intelligence, aggressiveness, friendliness, and confidence) and attractiveness. Analyses used mixed logit regression models and conventional statistics. Results A sample of 133 adults participated. LAFH alterations significantly affected perceived personality traits and attractiveness: the unaltered LAFH images were most frequently selected as the most intelligent, confident, and attractive, whereas increased LAFH (6 mm) were associated with greater perceived aggressiveness in all female photographs, across all ethnic groups. The gender of the rater did not influence trait selection. Conclusions Changes in LAFH alter the perception of personality traits and attractiveness across ethnicities and genders. These findings underscore the social impact of vertical facial proportions in orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery.