“As people with symmetrical faces tend to be healthier and more attractive, they are also more self-sufficient and have less of an incentive to co-operate and seek help from others. Through natural selection over thousands of years, these characteristics continue to the present day,” the pair wrote in a paper to be presented at the annual Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau, Germany, from Aug. 23-27.

Their claim is based on the “prisoner’s dilemma” model of behavior.

Two players were each given the option of being a “dove” and co-operating for the greater good; or a “hawk,” taking the selfish option, with a chance of gaining more if the other player chose “dove” and co-operated. The subjects’ faces were then analyzed.

The study found that people with more symmetrical faces were less likely to co-operate and less likely to expect others to co-operate.

According to the report, the two academics speculate that, on a subconscious level, people tend to view symmetrical physical attributes as a sign of good health and find people with them more attractive as a result.

Earlier studies have suggested that individuals with symmetrical faces tend to suffer fewer congenital diseases and therefore make better potential mating partners. As a result, the studies suggest, they are more self-sufficient and have less need for seeking the help of others, the report said.