Posture (psychology)

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RichardDysartPotsdamGermanyMay2006

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Posture in psychology refers to the physical bearing or stance of an individual, which can convey nonverbal information about their emotional state, confidence level, and openness to communication. It is a significant aspect of body language and nonverbal communication, playing a crucial role in human interactions. Understanding the psychological implications of posture can aid in the interpretation of others' behaviors and in the presentation of oneself in social and professional contexts.

Overview

Posture, from a psychological perspective, encompasses more than just the alignment of the body's musculoskeletal system. It involves the positioning of the body as a whole, including the orientation of limbs, the tilt of the head, and the direction of gaze. These elements combined can communicate a wide range of emotions and attitudes, from dominance and aggression to submission and openness.

Types of Postures

There are several types of postures that have been identified in psychological research, each associated with specific emotional states or social messages.

Open vs. Closed Postures

• Open Postures: These involve the body being in a relaxed state with limbs loosely arranged and not crossed. Open postures indicate openness to communication, friendliness, and willingness to engage.
• Closed Postures: In contrast, closed postures are characterized by crossed limbs, hunched shoulders, and a general inward wrapping of the body. These postures can signal defensiveness, anxiety, or a desire to withdraw from social interaction.

Power Poses

Power poses are open and expansive postures that occupy space and project confidence and dominance. Research in social psychology suggests that adopting power poses can not only communicate confidence to others but can also increase one's own feelings of power and control.

Submissive Postures

Submissive postures are typically closed and make the body appear smaller. These postures can indicate submission, low confidence, or a desire to avoid confrontation.

Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of posture are bidirectional. Just as one's emotional state can influence their posture, consciously adopting certain postures can affect one's psychological state and emotions. For example, adopting a power pose can lead to increased feelings of confidence and assertiveness.

Cultural Variations

It is important to note that the interpretation of posture is heavily influenced by cultural norms and values. A posture considered respectful and submissive in one culture may be interpreted as disinterested or aloof in another.

Applications

Understanding the psychological aspects of posture has applications in various fields, including psychology, communication studies, and social psychology. It can be particularly useful in areas such as counseling, negotiation, and public speaking, where effective nonverbal communication is crucial.

See Also

• Body Language
• Nonverbal Communication
• Social Psychology