The Effects of Spatial Attention on Facial Preference.

Abstract

Although recent research has shown that attention affects the external features that form attractiveness impressions, it is not clear whether the internal trait judgments that arise when looking at faces are affected by spatial attention. The present study examined the effects of attention induced by spatial cues by comparing judgments of trustworthiness and attractiveness. Participants judged which of two presented faces was more attractive or more trustworthy after the presentation of a spatial cue. The results showed that the face in the position to which attention was directed by the spatial cue was more likely to be selected, and reaction times were faster for the attractiveness judgments. These results may indicate that spatial attention increases selection rates for both external and internal characteristics.