FACIAL ASYMMETRY AS AN INDICATOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DISTRESS

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is deviation from bilateral symmetry in mor phological traits with asymmetry values that are normally distributed with a mean of O. FA is produced by genetic or environmental perturbat ions of developmental design and may play a role in human sexual selec tion. K. Grammer and R. Thornhill (1994) found that facial FA negative ly covaries with observer ratings of attractiveness, dominance, sexine ss, and health. Using self-reports, observer ratings, daily diary repo rts, and psychophysiological measures, the authors assessed the relati onship between facial FA and health in 2 samples of undergraduates (N= 101). Results partially replicate and extend those of K. Grammer and R Thornhill (1994) and suggest that facial FA may signal psychological, emotional, and physiological distress. Discussion integrates the auth ors' findings with previous research on FA and suggests future researc h needed to clarify the role of FA in human sexual selection.