The evolutionary significance and social perception of male pattern baldness and facial hair

Muscarella, Frank; Cunningham, Michael R.

doi:10.1016/0162-3095(95)00130-1

Cited by 190 publications

(92 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…There is evidence that those with AGA experience suicidal ideation more frequently and are at greater risk of suicide (Muscarella & Cunningham, 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Emotional Consequences of Finasteride: Fool’s Gold

Ganzer

Jacobs

2016

Am J Mens Health

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Androgenetic alopecia, the gradual, progressive loss of hair frequently results in psychological despair, in part related to changes in self-image. Current androgenetic alopecia treatments are limited to hair transplantation and medications that inhibit dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen associated with follicular micronization. Users of finasteride, which prevents dihydrotestosterone production, report serious physical and emotional adverse effects, collectively known as post-finasteride syndrome. Psychiatric illnesses and personality traits, specifically neuroticism influence emotional well-being. Limited research exists exploring the psychological corollaries of post-finasteride syndrome and preexisting Axis I and Axis II mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to explore how having a preexisting personal and/or familial history of a psychiatric diagnosis and certain personality traits may influence anxiety and depression among finasteride users. Participants in this online survey completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Ten-Item Personality Inventory. An important finding in this study was that almost 57% ( n = 97) of men reported a psychiatric diagnosis and 28% ( n = 27) had a first-degree relative with a mental health disorder, of this group 17 only had a family history. Nearly 50% of the men surveyed reported clinically significant depression as evidenced by Beck Depression Inventory score and 34% experienced anxiety on the Beck Anxiety Inventory. There were no statistically significant trends in personality traits reported. Results provide evidence on the need to screen for psychiatric history and counseling patients about the potential psychological consequences of finasteride. Prescribing clinicians should carefully weigh the risk/benefit ratio with these patients.

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“…There is evidence that those with AGA experience suicidal ideation more frequently and are at greater risk of suicide (Muscarella & Cunningham, 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Emotional Consequences of Finasteride: Fool’s Gold

Ganzer

Jacobs

2016

Am J Mens Health

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“…In order to modify one specific feature of a face on a photo while leaving the other features intact, researchers have retouched photos [CARELLO et al 1989] and computer images [LAENG et al 2007], drawn stubble on models [MUSCARELLA and CUNNINGHAM 1996], or used drawings of faces with definite features in place of photos MCARTHUR 1986, REED andBLUNK 1990]. Judges have been allowed to portray their conception of the most attractive face by using sticks to form the face [HERSHON and GIDDON 1980], moving disks to denote eyes and lips [FRĄC-KIEWICZ 2001], or even employing a system of hinged telescopic pipes [SERGL et al 1998].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this preference is most probably subject to cultural factors and changes over time. MUSCARELLA and CUNNINGHAM [1996] photographed men wearing wigs ranging from full hair to complete baldness. Both receding hairlines and baldness decreased FacA and perceived aggressiveness.…”

Section: Other Determinants Of Facial Attractivenessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Facial attractiveness: General patterns of facial preferences

Kościński

2007

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This review covers universal patterns in facial preferences. Facial attractiveness has fascinated thinkers since antiquity, but has been the subject of intense scientific study for only the last quarter of a century. Many facial features contribute to facial attractiveness: Averageness and symmetry are preferred by males and females, probably because they signal genetic quality and developmental stability. Men prefer highly feminized female faces because they reflect high estrogen levels and low testosterone levels. This indicates that the woman is reproductively healthy. Women, on the other hand, prefer a moderate level of male facial masculinity, since facial masculinity that is too pronounced signals high level of testosterone and, thereby, a poorly developed pro-family personality. In women, facial hair is detrimental to facial attractiveness. In men, the effect is not consistent. Faces with a clear complexion are attractive to both men and women. Men prefer light and smooth skin in women. Positive facial expressions also enhance facial attractiveness. Many factors, in particular skin condition and facial proportions, affect perceived age, which is an important component of facial attractiveness. Men in particular strongly prefer youthful-looking female faces. Facial preferences enable an individual to recognize reproductively fit mates. Therefore, facial preferences are adaptive, although non-adaptive mechanisms related to general brain function also play a role. KEY WORDS: physical attractiveness, facial esthetics, human face, beauty Everything is in the face CiceroFacial attractiveness is something that is intuitively perceived rather than measurable with instruments. Until recently, facial attractiveness was more a subject of interest for artists and philosophers than for scientists. However, physical attractiveness has proven to have such serious interpersonal and social consequences that science cannot exclude it from its realm of study. Moreover, scientific research on physical attractiveness is justified because it is connected to the

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“…Past research suggests that there are facial cues, such as apparent age, that signal social dominance (Keating et al, 1981b). For instance, decreasing the amount of cranial hair increases judgments of social maturity and age (Muscarella & Cunningham, 1996). Additionally, male faces with receded hairlines are perceived as more dominant (Keating et al, 1981b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Perceived Height, Masculinity, and Age on Each Other and on Perceptions of Dominance in Male Faces

2015

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Several studies have examined the individual effects of facial cues to height, masculinity, and age on interpersonal interactions and partner preferences. We know much less about the influence of these traits on each other. We therefore examined how facial cues to height, masculinity, and age influence perceptions of each other and found significant overlap. This suggests that studies investigating the effects of one of these traits in isolation may need to account for the influence of the other two traits. Additionally, there is inconsistent evidence on how each of these three facial traits affects dominance. We therefore investigated how varying such traits influences perceptions of dominance in male faces. We found that increases in perceived height, masculinity, and age (up to 35 years) all increased facial dominance. Our results may reflect perceptual generalizations from sex differences as men are on average taller, more dominant, and age faster than women. Furthermore, we found that the influences of height and age on perceptions of dominance are mediated by masculinity. These results give us a better understanding of the facial characteristics that convey the appearance of dominance, a trait that is linked to a wealth of real-world outcomes.

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The evolutionary significance and social perception of male pattern baldness and facial hair

Cited by 190 publications

References 49 publications

Emotional Consequences of Finasteride: Fool’s Gold

Emotional Consequences of Finasteride: Fool’s Gold

Facial attractiveness: General patterns of facial preferences

Influence of Perceived Height, Masculinity, and Age on Each Other and on Perceptions of Dominance in Male Faces

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