The effect of burn scars on person evaluation

Symmetry and averageness are the main determinants of (facial) attractiveness. Disfigured faces therefore may be expected to have a diminished attractiveness. However, it is not clear whether this decreased attractiveness is also associated with more negative general person qualities. We exposed volunteers (N = 102) to pictures of models with or without burn victim make-up and let them rate these models on seven dimensions: social skills, academic performance, professional qualities, dating success, success in relationships, physical attractiveness and financial success. Burn victims were rated less positively on the dimensions dating success and attractiveness, but they were rated more positively on the dimension social skills. No differences were found on the other dimensions. We wonder whether the respondents adhered an implicit compensation model, attributing the models increased social skills to compensate for their decreased physical attractiveness. The discussion further focuses on future research possibilities and the consequences for the quality of life of people with disfigurements in the facial area.