Perceived and experimentally manipulated status moderates the relationship between facial structure and risk-taking

Previous work indicates that facial width to height ratio predicts aggressive behavior, particularly when social status is low. The current research extends these findings with experimental evidence that status can moderate the relationship between facial structure and risk-taking. Male participants (N = 165) completed a measure of status, had their facial structure measured, were randomly assigned to win or lose a competition, and completed a behavioral measure of risk-taking. Facial structure predict risk-taking when individuals' perceived status was low, but not high. Additionally, facial structure also predicted risk-taking in losers, but not winners of the competition. Individuals low in self-reported social status who lost the competition showed the highest relationship between facial structure and risk-taking. These findings provide evidence that FWHR is not always an indicator of risk-taking behaviors, but only when individuals perceive themselves as being low in status. These findings are interpreted from an ecological rationality perspective and suggest that risk-taking is adjusted appropriately to strive to meet social goals.