How does body posture affect psychology?

Upright postures exert positive effects on general mood. Previous embodiment findings indicate a relationship between physical posture and mood states, suggesting upright postures induce positive mood states. Findings also showed a relationship between moods and cognitive performance. While positive mood states were found to be related to increased processing speed, negative mood states were associated with higher processing accuracy in cognitive task performance. This implies that posture may affect the aforementioned sub-aspects of cognitive performance via mood states. The results revealed that subjects who adopted an upright posture showed a more positive general mood and higher processing speed compared to those in stooped postures. Upright postures showed a higher processing speed. Effects on cognition are not mediated via general mood.

The way you hold your body can have a big impact on your physical health and poor posture can result in different aches, pains and injuries. However, it’s not just your body that your posture impacts, there’s a lot of research surrounding the link between postural imbalance and mood, confidence and self-esteem. The link between posture and mood can be bigger than you think. For instance, poor posture like slouching can be caused by feelings of low energy. On the other hand, an upright healthy posture can be a sign of a more positive mood and higher energy levels. Interestingly, this impact is a two-way street. While your mood can affect your poor posture, the reverse is also true. A posture that signifies strength and confidence, such as the superhero pose, can result in a more optimistic outlook and greater confidence. Your posture is a non-verbal cue that speaks volumes about your confidence and self-perception. An upright, confident posture not only projects a positive image to others but also boosts your sense of self-worth.