Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
General Experimental Psychology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
General Experimental Psychology
3rd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
3rd Student Major
General Experimental Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Jana Hackathorn
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
First impressions are a key component of the formation of social relationships. Facial expressions and facial features inform impressions leading to social affiliation, such as trustworthiness. The usage of face masks, common with the incidence of COVID-19, veils features giving information on trustworthiness, attractiveness, and other factors informing social impressions. Existing literature shows ambiguity in expressions and in social situations can make individuals less trusting of others. This is prevalent in those intolerant of uncertainty or with a high need for closure, which is the need to find answers in ambiguous situations. Together, these findings suggest that ambiguity of facial features induced by face masks may negatively impact perceptions of factors related to likelihood of social affiliation.
Participants recruited from undergraduate classes were randomly assigned to one of four groups \ based on student identification number. The groups differed in pictures of models shown to participants; they included a male model with or without a face mask and a female model with or without a face mask. Participants reported on demographics, the need for closure, and intolerance of uncertainty. They then rated the model in their condition on trustworthiness factors, attractiveness, likeability, and three other exploratory variables. Preliminary analysis indicates there is an interaction of model mask presence and gender on social judgements.
Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
Included in
Face Masks and Ambiguity in Expressions: A Barrier to Social Affiliation?
First impressions are a key component of the formation of social relationships. Facial expressions and facial features inform impressions leading to social affiliation, such as trustworthiness. The usage of face masks, common with the incidence of COVID-19, veils features giving information on trustworthiness, attractiveness, and other factors informing social impressions. Existing literature shows ambiguity in expressions and in social situations can make individuals less trusting of others. This is prevalent in those intolerant of uncertainty or with a high need for closure, which is the need to find answers in ambiguous situations. Together, these findings suggest that ambiguity of facial features induced by face masks may negatively impact perceptions of factors related to likelihood of social affiliation.
Participants recruited from undergraduate classes were randomly assigned to one of four groups \ based on student identification number. The groups differed in pictures of models shown to participants; they included a male model with or without a face mask and a female model with or without a face mask. Participants reported on demographics, the need for closure, and intolerance of uncertainty. They then rated the model in their condition on trustworthiness factors, attractiveness, likeability, and three other exploratory variables. Preliminary analysis indicates there is an interaction of model mask presence and gender on social judgements.