Mezentseva Anna Aleksandrovna

Introduction. In this article, we have compared frontal facial shapes (based on photo portraits) which were captured in two head positions: Natural position (NP) and Frankfurt horizontal (FH).

Materials and methods. In both cases facial shape was analyzed on sex differences and association with direct measurements of body parameters: height, BMI, fat, muscle and bone mass, digit ratio (R2D:4D). The analysis was performed using geometric morphometry methods. The study participants were representatives of the non-European population, Buryats, 86 men and 69 women aged 20 years (20± 2 g).

Results. The results showed that (a) head position had a significant impact on the 2D projection of the frontal facial shape, particularly in men; (b) compared to the Natural position, the Frankfurt horizontal position exhibited more pronounced sex differences in facial shape; (c) we observed associations between facial shape and height, BMI, fat, and muscle mass in both men and women in both positions, but these associations were more pronounced in the Frankfurt horizontal. We did not find an association between male facial shape and R2D:4D in the NP position, but we observed it in FH. In women, we did not observe a similar relationship in both positions.

Discussion. Our research revealed an important methodological problem: the head position can significantly affect qualitative conclusions about frontal facial shape, especially in non-European populations. In our study, we found a statistical relationship with most body parameters in both cases, FH and NP. However, the relationship was stronger in the FH position. When working with independent parameters that have a generally not very pronounced effect on the facial shape, head position differences can lead to a decrease or even a lack of an association when using a natural position (as in the case of R2D:4D).

Conclusion. The obtained results are important for the development of an optimal photography methodology, taking into account the currently accumulated controversial results. Current findings allow us to resolve a number of contradictions related to the zero results observed in modern literature data.

The aim of this study was to assess preferences for sexual dimorphism in four somatic traits (height, muscle development, physical strength, and fat deposition) among males and females across eight populations differing in origin, culture, socio-economic and ecological conditions.

Materials and Methods. The sample consisted of 1501 individuals (610 males and 891 females) aged 17 to 39 years (mean age: 20.8 ± 4.3), representing eight populations residing in Russia: Buryats, Yakuts, Kalmyks, Tuvans, Kabardians, Balkars, and Russians (from Moscow and Tula). Data were collected from 2022 to 2024. To assess preferences for sexually dimorphic traits an author’s questionnaire was utilized.

Results and Discussion. In all samples, both men and women found pronounced sexual dimorphism in height, following generally accepted “male-taller norm”, to be attractive. The majority of men preferred slender women with low muscle development and physical strength, while women favored physically strong men with well-developed musculature. Population differences in anthropoaesthetic preferences were revealed. Kalmyks, Kabardians, and Balkars considered pronounced sexual dimorphism in height, musculature, and physical strength to be more attractive, whereas Yakuts and Russians from Moscow expressed less definitive preferences. In nearly all male groups, consistent associations were found between preferences for sexual dimorphism in height and physical strength, as well as muscle development and fat deposition. The most robust associations in female groups pertained to preferences for sexual dimorphism in height and physical strength, as well as muscle development and physical strength.

Conclusion. The identified anthropoaesthetic preferences related to the expression of sexually dimorphic traits across various somatic criteria reflect universal and culturally specific ideas about physical attractiveness, shaped by evolutionary and sociocultural factors.

Funding. The study has been supported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), project No. 23-18-00277.