Scimex: Women who display strong maternal tendencies enjoy looking at 'cute'
babies faces more than women who have less of a motherly urge, according
to a new study. This is despite both groups perceiving baby faces to
have the same level of subjective cuteness.
Viewing cute infants is rewarding. The factors that contribute to
individual differences in the reward value of infant facial cuteness are
poorly understood, however. Here, we show that the reward value of
infant cuteness is greater among women who report greater maternal
motivation. By contrast, perceptual sensitivity to infant facial
cuteness is not affected by maternal motivation. Together, these results
suggest that the reward value of infant facial cuteness is greater
among women who are more interested in interacting with infants and,
consequently, may be more willing to provide infant care.