Cross-modal integration and asymmetry mechanisms in facial-vocal attractiveness evaluation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Facial and vocal attractiveness, as key dimensions of interpersonal perception, are evaluated through mechanisms that involve core cognitive processes of multisensory integration. Clarifying the strength and direction of their association can both reveal the cognitive basis of cross-modal impression formation and provide behavioral guidance for real-world scenarios such as social interaction and decision-making. However, existing research shows significant discrepancies regarding their correlation, and systematic evaluations verifying their relationship are lacking. This study aims to explore the correlation and asymmetry mechanisms between facial and vocal attractiveness in evaluations through a systematic review and meta-analysis, as well as to investigate potential moderating factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines and the standards proposed by Downs and Black (1998), 23 empirical studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total sample size of 4902. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled correlation coefficient (r) and 95% confidence interval (CI), followed by subgroup analyses to examine potential moderating variables impacting the observed differences. Finally, publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s linear regression, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The results showed a significant positive correlation between facial and vocal attractiveness evaluations (r = 0.255, 95% CI [0.198, 0.311]), though subgroup analyses revealed this correlation was significant only for female targets (r = 0.304, 95% CI [0.174, 0.425]) and not for male targets (r = 0.029, 95% CI [−0.114, 0.170]). Subgroup analyses further indicated that variables such as gender, age, hormone levels, cultural background, and stimulus characteristics moderated the correlation between the two forms of attractiveness. Despite detecting slight publication bias, the results remained robust and reliable after testing for bias and sensitivity. This study confirms the presence of cross-modal integration effects of facial and vocal attractiveness in interpersonal evaluation or impression formation, as well as asymmetry mechanisms characterized by gender differences. Qualitative synthesis of the broader literature further suggests a possible visual dominance effect, though direct quantitative evidence remains limited.