Understanding Embodied Effects of Posture: A Qualitative Study

Some evidence suggests body postures can elicit emotion. Compared to neutral postures, constrictive are associated with negative affect and low arousal, whereas expansive have shown mixed effects. Qualitative methods may allow insights into this phenomenon. We asked 15 participants (mean age 43 years) adopt eight different expansive, constrictive, or drawn from previous power posing postural studies. After a minute in each posture, were interviewed about how they felt when might the posture real life. Interviews audio recorded inductive thematic analysis conducted. Power poses confidence, but also aggression, arrogance, intimidation, disrespect. The slumped was sadness control, upright seated being alert apprehensive as well formality. Neutral feeling relaxed comfortable. These results suggest that emotional effects, inappropriate some contexts.