Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
07:18
Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
Published on: January 26, 2024
977
The Power of Posing: Do Body Display Instructions Have an Impact on Behavior in Daily Life?
Mai Bjørnskov Mikkelsen1, Emma Elkjær1, Douglas S Mennin2
1Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Brain and Behavior
|June 19, 2025
Summary
Body posture instructions did not influence adaptive behavior or affect in daily life goals. However, changes in action tendencies and appraisals predicted goal achievement, suggesting context-dependent effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Embodied Cognition
Background:
- The study explored how expansive and contractive body postures influence adaptive behavior and affect.
- It examined the role of motivational traits and psychopathology symptoms as potential moderators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of specific body display instructions on goal-directed behavior and emotional states.
- To determine if individual differences in motivation or psychopathology alter these effects.
Main Methods:
- 127 adults set weekly behavioral goals over 12 weeks.
- Participants adopted expansive, contractive, neutral, or active control body postures before acting.
- Behavioral outcomes, emotions, action tendencies, and appraisals were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant effects of body displays on behavior or affect were found.
- Motivational traits and psychopathology symptoms did not moderate the outcomes.
- Action tendencies and appraisals, not body posture, predicted goal attainment.
Conclusions:
- Body display instructions did not impact goal pursuit or associated affect in this study.
- Findings suggest variability in the link between motor system, emotions, and behavior.
- Future research should explore individualized body displays and contextual factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances
3
Appearance is a multidimensional aspect of self-presentation that encompasses observable attributes such as clothing, grooming, speech, and nonverbal behavior. These elements are often strategically managed to align with socially constructed expectations in different settings. For instance, individuals tailor their appearance during job interviews, social gatherings, or athletic events to meet the perceived norms of those environments.Contextual Adaptation and Social SignalsThe research...
3
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
11
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
11
02:05Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
40.6K
People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about...
40.6K
01:30Causes of Social Behavior I: Actions and Characteristics of Individuals
11
The actions and characteristics of others heavily influence the causes of social behaviors. Emotional expressions serve as powerful social signals, shaping behaviors and interactions in significant ways. Whether through direct observation or subconscious processing, individuals constantly adjust their responses based on the emotions and attributes of those around them.Emotional Cues and Social ResponsesFacial expressions, tone of voice, and body language provide crucial emotional cues that...
11
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
2
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
2
01:21Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
3
Physical attractiveness plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal attraction, influencing first impressions, social interactions, and long-term relationship dynamics. Psychological research consistently demonstrates that attractiveness affects social evaluations and behavioral outcomes in various contexts.Influence on Social InteractionsResearch has shown that individuals perceived as physically attractive often experience preferential treatment in social and professional settings. One...
3