Share
Research shows that individuals feel and later perform better when given positive feedback in the context of an upright posture, as opposed to a slumped one, even if unaware that their bodily position is meant to express emotion. We sought to determine whether proprioceptive feedback from body postures operate differently for women and men. Participants received success feedback when in either an upright or slumped posture, which was covertly manipulated. Results showed that for men the effects of posture were intuitive and appropriate: receiving success feedback while upright enhanced performance self-ratings. In contrast, after adopting an upright posture, women went on after success feedback to perform more poorly and make more negative self-ratings, than after adopting a slumped posture. A number of theories are offered as potential explanations for this gender effect.
Source: “Not all who stand tall are proud: Gender differences in the proprioceptive effects of upright posture” from Cognition & Emotion, Volume 21, Issue 4 June 2007 , pages 714 – 727
Join 45K+ readers. Get a free weekly update via email here.
Related posts:
Here are the things proven to make you happier
What 10 things should you do every day to improve your life?
4 Lifehacks From Ancient Philosophers That Will Make You Happier