Dynamic Facial Health Predicts Psychological First Impressions with Applications to Tailored Treatments for Facial Paralysis

Background: Past studies demonstrate that certain facial features systematically affect first impressions of psychological traits. However, no previous studies have examined how individual differences in facial health affect first impressions of psychological traits. Methods: In this study, we asked a large sample of fairgoers to give their first impressions of psychological traits in response to viewing videos of unilateral facial paralysis patients with varying degrees of facial functioning. Then, we used linear mixed-effects regression models to understand how individual differences in facial health predict first impressions. Results: Our results replicate previous findings regarding first impressions of faces, such as the attractiveness halo effect, as well as age (maturity) and gender (masculinity) effects. More importantly, our results reveal that facial health, as measured by a clinician-graded scale, is a significant predictor of first impressions. Specifically, we found that individuals with better dynamic facial health (as assessed by clinicians) were perceived to be more competent and more affiliative, but not more dominant, than individuals with lower levels of dynamic facial functioning. Conclusions: Our results have important implications for personalized medicine via the development and refinement of individually tailored therapies to improve facial reanimation surgery outcomes.