Sit up straight: Study finds body posture can affect decisions and emotions
A new study found that upright participants took greater risks, earned higher rewards and reported more positive emotions than those who slouched; a clinical psychologist says posture can shape emotions and how we perceive the world
How we sit may influence our emotions and decision-making, according to a study from McGill University in Canada. Researchers found that participants who sat upright outperformed those who slouched or sat in a control group on a risk-taking task, reporting more positive emotions and taking more calculated risks. Published in the British Journal of Psychology, the study involved nearly 200 students and was led by Prof. Jorge Armony, with graduate student Soren Wainio-Theberge co-authoring the research.
Participants did not know their posture was being influenced, as researchers placed the tablet on an adjustable table to encourage upright sitting and a lower table for leaning forward. The upright posture group took greater risks and earned higher rewards, suggesting they were taking risks more effectively, not just impulsively.
Posture was manipulated indirectly through the tablet and table positioning, addressing previous concerns about participants responding to expectations rather than posture. The researchers found that most participants did not notice the manipulation. Embodied cognition, a field of study, explores the relationship between the body and mental processes, emphasizing that physical states can impact emotional experiences and decision-making.
Gal Samoocha, a clinical psychologist, noted that the body and mind are interconnected systems, with physical states influencing emotional experiences and interpretations of the world. Previous research has linked physical experiences to emotional states, such as leaning forward when thinking about the future and leaning backward when recalling the past.
Samoocha stressed that while an upright posture may improve self-esteem and confidence, it is essential to approach the findings cautiously and consider broader habits for long-term emotional and mental well-being.
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