Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
05:12
Using Virtual Reality to Transfer Motor Skill Knowledge from One Hand to Another
Published on: September 18, 2017
545.8K
Gender-specific effects of self-objectification on visuomotor adaptation and learning
Judith Bek1, Catherine M Sabiston2, Delaney E Thibodeau2
1Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Canada; School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Body Image
|September 27, 2024
Summary
Recalling body-related embarrassment negatively impacts visuomotor performance and learning in men and women. These effects on motor control and adaptation differ between genders and can be influenced by affect.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Motor Control
- Embodied Cognition
Background:
- Self-objectification redirects cognitive resources to body monitoring, potentially impairing task performance.
- Understanding how self-conscious emotions related to the body influence motor learning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of recalling positive (pride) or negative (embarrassment) body-related experiences on visuomotor adaptation.
- To explore the moderating roles of positive and negative affect on these effects.
- To examine gender differences in the influence of self-conscious emotions on motor performance.
Main Methods:
- 147 participants (100 women, 47 men) wrote about body-related pride or embarrassment.
- Visuomotor adaptation (cursor rotation task) was assessed, followed by a 24-hour retention test.
- Affective states were measured to explore their moderating influence.
Main Results:
- Men recalling embarrassment showed greater initial visuomotor impairment and poorer retention than the pride group.
- Women recalling embarrassment exhibited reduced accuracy post-rotation compared to the pride group.
- Affect modulated negative recall effects in women; gender differences were evident in motor adaptation and learning.
Conclusions:
- Recalling body-related self-conscious emotions significantly impacts visuomotor adaptation and learning in both genders.
- The effects of negative body-related experiences on motor performance differ between men and women.
- These findings highlight the intricate link between self-perception, emotion, and motor control.
