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Embodiment in attitudes, social perception, and emotion.
Paula M Niedenthal1, Lawrence W Barsalou, Piotr Winkielman
1Laboratory in Social and Cognitive Psychology, CNRS and University of Clermont-Ferrand, France. niedenthal@srvpsy.univ-bpclermont.fr
Summary
Social information processing relies on embodiment, involving bodily states and brain simulations. The Perceptual Symbol Systems (PSS) theory explains this embodied cognition across online and offline social interactions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Embodied Cognition
Background:
- Social psychology research highlights the role of embodiment in processing social information.
- Embodiment encompasses physical bodily states and brain-based simulations of experience.
- Existing empirical findings on social embodiment lack a unifying theoretical explanation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and elaborate on the Perceptual Symbol Systems (PSS) account as a framework for understanding social embodiment.
- To demonstrate how PSS theory integrates diverse findings in social cognition.
- To explore new research avenues suggested by embodied cognition theories.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature in social psychology and embodied cognition.
- Theoretical analysis and comparison of the Perceptual Symbol Systems (PSS) account with other proposals.
- Examination of how PSS addresses criticisms of general embodiment approaches.
Main Results:
- Embodiment, defined as bodily states and neural simulations, is fundamental to both online and offline social information processing.
- The Perceptual Symbol Systems (PSS) account provides a compelling theoretical framework that explains and integrates empirical findings on social embodiment.
- PSS theory offers solutions to previous criticisms leveled against broader embodiment approaches.
Conclusions:
- Embodied cognition, particularly through the PSS framework, offers a robust explanation for social information processing.
- The PSS account unifies diverse findings and suggests promising future research directions in social psychology.
- This work strengthens the theoretical basis for embodiment in understanding social perception, attitudes, and emotion.