A study published recently in the journal Psychological Science has revealed that old beliefs about macho men that they are tough, dishonest and aggressive are wrong, according to a new report.

A team of researchers from the University of St. Andrews in the United Kingdom had studied wide faces and found that the beliefs are not accurate. While they are kind and cooperative, they are only portrayed as the opposite because of their square-jawed look.

The study involved giving money to university students for playing a group game. The participants either had to risk their money so as to benefit the entire group or freeload off other players. The groups were told that their winnings would be compared with other teams’ winnings.

It was then found that machos may be aggressive in nature in general, but they are more humble when they need to sacrifice for their team.

It has been told that their masculine faces are the result of their exposure to high testosterone levels in the womb. When their faces mature during teenage years, they are displayed in prominent jawlines and small eyes.

"Men with wider faces have typically been portrayed as 'bad to the bone’”, said author Michael Stirrat.