Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Unconscious versus Assumed Perception: Social Perceptions of Facial Deformities
Publication Date
2024
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
Department
Psychological Science, Department of
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Facial disfiguring features (FDF), such as scars, birthmarks, or craniofacial disorders, can significantly alter how individuals are perceived in a variety of social contexts, leading to stigmatization and negative biases (Boutsen et al., 2018; Prescosolido & Martin, 2015). Previous research indicates that facial disfigurements frequently elicit negative emotions and avoidance behaviors, perpetuating both implicit and explicit biases (Bradbury, 2012; Lawrence et al., 2007; Ryan et al., 2012). This study aims to investigate these biases using an Implicit Association Test (IAT) and a perception survey, focusing on social judgments related to health, trustworthiness, intelligence, and sociability. A sample of approximately 40 participants was recruited from introductory psychology courses. Participants completed an online IAT and perception survey, where the IAT assessed implicit biases by comparing reaction times between neutral (control) and manipulated images, depicting FDFs, while the perception survey assessed participants’ conscious perceptions of the same faces on a sliding scale. We hypothesize that images with facial disfigurements will be rated lower on perceptions of health, trustworthiness, intelligence, and sociability than neutral or control facial images. Additionally, we anticipate a positive correlation between IAT results and the perception survey, indicating that implicit biases align with explicit attitudes. This research contributes to the growing understanding of how implicit biases toward individuals with facial disfiguring features affect social perceptions, underscoring the need for increased awareness and improved intervention strategies to mitigate stigmatization.
Recommended Citation
Ramer, Benjamin; Sarin, Emma; Mitchell, Drake; and Pyle, Emily, "Unconscious versus Assumed Perception: Social Perceptions of Facial Deformities" (2024). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 174.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/174
