A new study has revealed that tall and masculine men in their mid-thirties appear to be more dominant than men of other age groups.
University of St Andrews reseachers have shown that a simple increase in a man’s height and age automatically makes them appear more dominant.
In the study, lead researcher Carlota Batres and her team used computer graphic manipulation to make subtle alterations to the facial images of the men.
Participants were asked for their opinions on men, based on how tall, masculine and old they appeared to be.
Onlookers thought that the men looked more dominant when researchers made 25-year olds look 8 centimeter taller, up to a decade older, or made their faces more masculine.
Batres said that dominant people were also favoured as leaders during times of inter-group conflict and were more successful leaders in the business world.
The researchers said their study provided some insight about casting choices made by film directors, since male leading roles are often played by actors fitting the dominance description.
