Social Perceptions of Adolescents Based on Height and Facial Maturity

Abstract

This study explored the influence of adolescent height and facial maturity on adult social perceptions of their competence. A sample of95 college students completed questionnaires rating the competence level of target adolescents based on manipulated full-body images of the targets. Findings indicate that height significantly contributed to social perceptions of adolescents; however, facial maturity did not. Furthermore, when physical characteristics were concordant, tall mature-faced adolescents were perceived as more competent than short baby-faced adolescents. When physical characteristics were discordant (tall with a baby face and short with a mature face), competence ratings were not significantly different. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.