Facial width-to-height ratio association with performances of cadets at the Korea Military Academy

Abstract

Studies suggest that facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is positively correlated with performances, especially in males. However, the relationship between fWHR and performance in the military context is relatively unexplored. This study examines whether and how fWHR is associated with objective performances in the military, using a novel and large sample of cadets (n = 912) at the Korea Military Academy. The results indicate that, for male cadets, fWHR is negatively correlated with academic, military, physical, social, and overall performances, whereas for female cadets, fWHR was not significantly correlated with performances, except for physical performance. This study suggests that fWHR correlates with performances, but the direction of the relationship is negative in a sample of male military cadets.