Fluctuating Asymmetry and personality

Abstract

The relationship between Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) and personality can cast light on the fitness consequences and selective benefits underlying personality. However few studies have investigated the topic and these have rendered inconsistent findings. Theoretically predicted relationships of FA to personality include linear associations and curvilinear associations (with low FA leading to average—not extreme—personality trait levels). Evidence for no association would suggest that personality has no consequences for general fitness. We summarise the findings to date, adding two new studies, testing each of the hypothesised models with well-validated measures of FA, and personality traits. No consistent associations were found. Though it remains possible that low FA is weakly related to conscientiousness and openness to experience, the major personality domains seem unrelated to FA.