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Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance

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Paper Summary

Paperzilla title
Fake It Till You Make It? Power Poses Boost Testosterone and Risk Taking

Adopting "high-power" poses for just two minutes increased testosterone, decreased cortisol, and increased feelings of power and risk tolerance compared to "low-power" poses. These findings suggest that embodying power through nonverbal displays can actually lead to feeling more powerful.

Explain Like I'm Five

Scientists found that if you stand like a superhero for just two minutes, your body makes you feel stronger and less stressed. This helps you feel more powerful and brave, just by changing how you stand!

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified

Identified Limitations

Small sample size
The sample size is small (42 participants), which limits the generalizability of the findings. A larger, more diverse sample is needed to confirm these effects.
Artificial setting
The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not reflect real-world situations where power dynamics are more complex.
Short-term effects only
The study only measured short-term effects of power posing. It's unknown if these effects are lasting or how they might change over time.
Simplified risk measure
The gambling task used to measure risk tolerance is a simplified measure of a complex behavior. Real-world risk taking may involve more nuanced considerations.
Lack of control for individual differences
The study did not control for individual differences in baseline hormone levels or personality traits that might influence power and risk taking.

Rating Explanation

This study provides compelling evidence for the embodiment of power, showing that simple postural changes can have significant physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects. The methodology is generally sound, but the small sample size and artificial setting limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to confirm and extend these results.

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File Information

Original Title: Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance
Uploaded: July 08, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Privacy: Public