Event Title
Sit Up Straight!: The Effects of Posture on Perceptions of Confidence and Engagement
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Psychology
Mentor Information
Kristy Dean
Department
Psychology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC47
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Social Science
Abstract
Research shows that individuals' thoughts are influenced by facial expressions, postures, and gestures (e.g., Niedenthal, 2010). For example, an upright (vs. slouched) posture increases confidence (Brinol et al., 2009) and tolerance for risk (Carney et al., 2011). The current study examines the effects of posture on self-perceptions of confidence/doubt and activeness/passiveness 1) via reaction time responses, and 2) within a social context. We predicted that an upright (vs. slouched) posture would elicit greater confidence and engagement in general and in a social interaction with strangers specifically. Participants were randomly assigned to adopt an upright or slouched posture as they completed a lexical decision task (assessing the accessibility of activeness and engagement constructs) and rated their expectations for an ostensible social interaction. Preliminary analyses are ongoing, although suggestive. Discussion will center on implications for therapeutic interventions.
Sit Up Straight!: The Effects of Posture on Perceptions of Confidence and Engagement
Kirkhof Center KC47
Research shows that individuals' thoughts are influenced by facial expressions, postures, and gestures (e.g., Niedenthal, 2010). For example, an upright (vs. slouched) posture increases confidence (Brinol et al., 2009) and tolerance for risk (Carney et al., 2011). The current study examines the effects of posture on self-perceptions of confidence/doubt and activeness/passiveness 1) via reaction time responses, and 2) within a social context. We predicted that an upright (vs. slouched) posture would elicit greater confidence and engagement in general and in a social interaction with strangers specifically. Participants were randomly assigned to adopt an upright or slouched posture as they completed a lexical decision task (assessing the accessibility of activeness and engagement constructs) and rated their expectations for an ostensible social interaction. Preliminary analyses are ongoing, although suggestive. Discussion will center on implications for therapeutic interventions.