Do Less-Cute Babies Face Disadvantages?
- 8 years ago
Babies who are not considered cute may face some real disadvantages, according to new research.
Babies who are not considered cute may face some real disadvantages, according to new research.
The recently published study by researchers from the University of Oxford states that “Cuteness in offspring is a potent protective mechanism that ensures survival for otherwise completely dependent infants.”
As such, they found that adults have been inclined to show favoritism to more appealing babies in the form of longer looks, toys, and even higher adoption rates.
And among young children with facial deformities like cleft palates, there is evidence of a higher rate of cognitive problems, due, at least in part, because of “a lack of all-important maternal responsiveness.”
The team’s research included a review of other recent studies about the effect of babies and puppies on the brain.
They determined overall that “Beyond caregiving, cuteness has a key role in facilitating social relations, pleasure, and well-being, as well as increasing empathy and compassion.”
That said, they believe the evidence indicates that the “power of cuteness...fades as children mature.”
The team is currently studying the effect parenthood has on such brain responses.
Babies who are not considered cute may face some real disadvantages, according to new research.
The recently published study by researchers from the University of Oxford states that “Cuteness in offspring is a potent protective mechanism that ensures survival for otherwise completely dependent infants.”
As such, they found that adults have been inclined to show favoritism to more appealing babies in the form of longer looks, toys, and even higher adoption rates.
And among young children with facial deformities like cleft palates, there is evidence of a higher rate of cognitive problems, due, at least in part, because of “a lack of all-important maternal responsiveness.”
The team’s research included a review of other recent studies about the effect of babies and puppies on the brain.
They determined overall that “Beyond caregiving, cuteness has a key role in facilitating social relations, pleasure, and well-being, as well as increasing empathy and compassion.”
That said, they believe the evidence indicates that the “power of cuteness...fades as children mature.”
The team is currently studying the effect parenthood has on such brain responses.