The effect of face masks on the perception of trustworthiness and competence in individuals with autistic traits

Facial expressions play a crucial role in social communication, influencing judgments of trustworthiness and competence. While previous research has examined how face masks affect trust and competence in general populations, little is known about their impact on individuals with high autistic traits, who often rely more on the mouth region for social cue interpretation. The present study investigates the effects of face masks on perceptions of trustworthiness and competence as a function of high and low autistic traits. Results show that masked faces are generally perceived as more trustworthy and competent than unmasked faces. The effect of mask wearing on trustworthiness and competence ratings was not affected by autistic traits, suggesting that participants, regardless of their level of autistic traits, adjusted their judgements using available facial cues.