Caroline F. Keating
Papers
1
Total Citations
300
H-Index
1
About
Caroline F. Keating is a pioneering social psychologist whose research illuminates how facial features shape perceptions of dominance, attractiveness, and social hierarchies. Her landmark 1985 study, “Gender and the Physiognomy of Dominance and Attractiveness,” with over 300 citations, demonstrated that both men and women associate specific facial traits—such as brow prominence and jaw width—with social dominance, while attractiveness judgments are influenced by gender-stereotypical cues. This work, using the innovative Smith-We portrait composite system, revealed that dominance and attractiveness are not independent but interact in complex ways across genders. Keating’s contributions extend to evolutionary psychology, showing how facial physiognomy signals power and mate quality. Her research has been widely cited in fields from nonverbal communication to organizational behavior, influencing how we understand first impressions and leadership perception. A professor emerita at Colgate University, Keating’s work remains foundational for students and researchers exploring the subtle, powerful ways our faces communicate social status and appeal.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Gender and the Physiognomy of Dominance and Attractiveness300 citations · 1985