People with narrow and friendly faces are regarded as rich

A study has revealed how the shape of a person's facial features has an influence on how others perceive wealth and found that poor are seen as glum and incompetent.

Scientists from the University of Glasgow assessed the snap judgements people make about others and found that 'rich' faces are considered to be more trustworthy. They are also likely to have smiley mouths, chiselled features, and rosy cheeks.

On the other hand, 'poor' faces have lowered eyebrows, shorter chins, and darker skin tones that make others perceive them as cold and inept.

Dr Thora Bjornsdottir, the lead author of the study, warned that hasty judgements based purely on appearance can have long-term consequences for people.

She said: "People who are perceived to be of high or low social class are also often judged as having advantageous or unfavourable traits, respectively.

"Such judgements are formed even just from facial appearance, and this can have substantial consequences, including disadvantaging those who are perceived to be of lower social class.

"The stereotypes we hold bias our perceptions.

"Our impressions of other people can lead to particular advantages or disadvantages for them."

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.