ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the operation of the babyface overgeneralization effect in trait attributions of laypersons, physiognomists, and writers, as well as in social outcomes in the domains of relationships, social influence, occupations, and punishment. This effect is shown in the attribution of more childlike characteristics to adults with childlike noses and mouths. A strong babyface stereotype is found not only for impressions of young adults, but also for impressions of children and older adults, and it cannot be explained by differences in the attractiveness of babyish versus more mature-looking faces. This effect is revealed in stereotyped impressions of babyfaced people: the attribution of childlike traits like weakness and warmth to people with babyish facial qualities, regardless of their sex, age, or race. People harness the babyface stereotype to reverse its undesirable social outcomes through contrast effects. For example, babyfaced soldiers show valor more likely than mature-faced soldiers, because their bravery is so unexpected.
