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Embodiment as a unifying perspective for psychology
1Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, 85287, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 15, 2015
Summary
The embodiment framework proposes that body morphology, senses, motor skills, and emotions shape all psychological processes. This perspective offers a unifying view for diverse areas of psychological research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Embodied Cognition
Background:
- The embodiment framework posits that psychological processes are intrinsically linked to the body's physical characteristics and interactions.
- This perspective offers a potential unifying theory for the broad field of psychology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present arguments supporting the embodiment framework from evolutionary and philosophical perspectives.
- To review various theoretical approaches to embodiment.
- To illustrate the application of embodiment in diverse psychological domains.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and theoretical frameworks.
- Philosophical and evolutionary arguments for embodiment.
- Exemplification of embodiment principles across psychological subfields.
Main Results:
- Arguments from evolution and philosophy support the embodiment framework.
- Key approaches include cognitive linguistics, perceptual symbol theory, and action-based theories.
- Embodiment offers a unifying perspective for cognition, development, social psychology, neuroscience, and applied psychology.
Conclusions:
- The embodiment framework provides a robust, unifying perspective for understanding psychological processes.
- Its principles are applicable across a wide spectrum of psychological research and practice.
- Further exploration of embodiment can bridge gaps between different psychological disciplines.
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