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ABSTRACT
We all occasionally need the help of others whom we do not know well. In four studies, we studied the influence of the facial appearance of both the potential helper and the help seeker on such a decision. In three studies (1a-1c), across different help domains, participants rated a person with submissive facial appearance as more likely to help. This was mediated via the perception of the submissive person as caring and helpful. The notion that submissive individuals will be perceived as more likely to help when a dominant person asks was only supported in the context of financial help. The preference for a submissive potential helper was also found when participant had to choose a helper for themselves (Study 2). (120 words)
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes
1. In Study 1b, a question about knowledge of structural engineers was asked but not further analyzed.