Face and voice attractiveness judgments change during adolescence

Abstract

We investigated ratings of face and voice traits that adults find attractive and that are thought to cue mate value (facial symmetry, averageness and sexual dimorphism, and vocal pitch) amongst children aged 11 - 15, an age group which spans the time during which mate choice judgments become relevant. We took measurements of the pubertal development of the raters. When judging male faces, preferences increased significantly with age for averageness, symmetry and (when judged by female but not male raters) femininity. When judging female faces, increased age corresponded to increased preference only for judgments of female facial averageness, and not female facial femininity or symmetry. However, even the younger group of children demonstrated significant preferences for all of these cues. Children also rated opposite-sex voices which had been manipulated in pitch; only older girls preferred lower pitches in boys' voices, while unexpectedly, younger boys had a significantly stronger preference than older boys for higher-pitched female voices. Once the effects of rater age had been controlled, increased pubertal development corresponded significantly with increased preference for low pitch in male voices in judgments made by girls; and with preference for femininity in male faces in judgments made by boys. Overall, our results may reflect the differential biological and social relevance of males and females as potential mates and potential allies, and suggest both effects of experience and exposure, and individual biological development, in the formation of face and voice pitch preferences.