Vertical and horizontal space-valence associations: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Previous research indicates associations between spatial dimensions (vertical and horizontal) and stimulus valence (positive/negative).
• These Space-Valence Associations (SVAs) suggest a systematic mapping of abstract concepts onto physical space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of behavioral studies on vertical and horizontal SVAs.
• To assess the robustness of SVAs and identify modulating factors such as culture, handedness, and task relevance.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect) in February 2021.
• Included 91 articles comprising 199 experiments and 21,951 participants.
• Analyzed effect sizes and heterogeneity to evaluate SVA strength and influencing variables.

Main Results:

• Robust evidence for both vertical (r=.440) and horizontal (r=.310) SVAs was found, with minimal publication bias.
• Effect sizes were heterogeneous, suggesting unidentified moderating factors.
• Vertical SVAs were stronger when valence was task-relevant. Horizontal SVAs showed a strong effect of handedness (positive stimuli associated with dominant hand side) and some cultural influence.

Conclusions:

• SVAs are a robust phenomenon, influenced by situated and embodied factors.
• Future research should consider specific concept categories and contexts rather than abstract concepts generally.
• Understanding SVAs is crucial for cognitive and social psychology, with implications for cross-cultural and embodied cognition research.