Power posing

Power Posing

Power posing is a psychological technique that involves adopting body postures associated with dominance and power. This technique is often used to improve feelings of confidence and self-assuredness in various social and professional situations.

Concept

The concept of power posing is based on the theory that our body language can influence our mental and emotional state. This theory is rooted in the field of embodied cognition, which suggests that our physical actions can affect our thoughts and feelings.

Power posing involves adopting postures that are open, expansive, and take up space. These postures are often associated with dominance and power in the animal kingdom, and research suggests that they can have a similar effect on humans.

Research

The concept of power posing was popularized by social psychologist Amy Cuddy in her 2012 TED Talk. Cuddy's research suggests that adopting a power pose can increase feelings of confidence and reduce feelings of stress.

In one study, participants who adopted a power pose for two minutes showed a 20% increase in testosterone levels and a 25% decrease in cortisol levels. These hormonal changes are associated with increased feelings of power and decreased stress levels.

However, the research on power posing has been controversial. Some researchers have failed to replicate Cuddy's findings, suggesting that the effects of power posing may be less robust than initially thought.

Applications

Power posing can be used in a variety of situations to boost confidence and reduce stress. For example, it can be used before a job interview, a public speaking engagement, or any situation where you need to feel confident and assertive.

To adopt a power pose, stand or sit in a way that is open and expansive. This could involve standing with your feet wide apart and your hands on your hips, or sitting with your legs spread and your arms stretched out.

Criticisms

Despite its popularity, power posing has been criticized for its lack of scientific rigor. Some researchers argue that the effects of power posing are too small to be of practical significance, and that the technique is based on shaky scientific evidence.

However, proponents of power posing argue that even small changes in body language can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional state. They suggest that power posing is a simple and effective tool for boosting confidence and reducing stress.

See Also

• Body language
• Nonverbal communication
• Amy Cuddy
• Embodied cognition