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The effect of infant fetal alcohol syndrome facial features on adoption preference

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Abstract

Infant facial characteristics may affect discriminative parental solicitude because they convey information about the health of the offspring. We examined the effect of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) infant facial characteristics on hypothetical adoption preferences, ratings of attractiveness, and ratings of health. As expected, potential parents were more likely to adopt “normal” infants, and they rated the FAS infants as less attractive and less healthy. Cuteness/attractiveness was the best predictor of adoption likelihood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Queen’s University at Kingston, K7L 3N6, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

    Katherine L. Waller, Anthony Volk & Vernon L. Quinsey

Authors
  1. Katherine L. Waller
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  2. Anthony Volk
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  3. Vernon L. Quinsey
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katherine L. Waller.

Additional information

This study formed part of the first author’s undergraduate honors thesis at Queen’s University conducted under the supervision of the third author. This research was supported by an Ontario Mental Health Foundation Senior Research Fellowship and a research contract from the Kingston Providence Continuing Care Centre to the third author.

Katherine L. Waller is a Ph.D. candidate in psychology at Queen’s University. Her research focuses on health psychology and behavior in close relationships.

Anthony Volk is a Ph.D. candidate in psychology at Queen’s University. His research focuses on evolutionary psychology and parental investment.

Vernon L. Quinsey is a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Queen’s University. His research focuses on forensic and evolutionary psychology.

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Waller, K.L., Volk, A. & Quinsey, V.L. The effect of infant fetal alcohol syndrome facial features on adoption preference. Hum Nat 15, 101–117 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-004-1006-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-004-1006-8

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