Postures and Perceptions: Expansive and Contractive Postures on Perceptions of Power and Likeability
Samantha Laurin
University of San Diego
Keywords: Contractive Postures, Expansive Postures, Power, Likeability
Abstract
Posture (expansive, neutral, contractive) serves as non-verbal cues that convey meaning influencing perceptions of power and likeability. Expansive postures are often linked to dominance and power, while contractive postures are associated with approachability. We hypothesized that expansive postures would lead to higher perceptions of power than contractive poses with a stronger effect for men. Additionally, we predicted that women in contractive poses would be perceived as more likeable, whereas men would appear more likeable in expansive poses. We assessed 128 University of San Diego participants, who rated images of men and women in expansive or contractive postures on power and likeability. Results supported our prediction that expansive postures convey greater power, with men in expansive stances receiving the highest power ratings. However, contrary to our hypothesis, women in contractive postures were not rated as more likeable. Instead, contractive postures overall were viewed as more likeable than expansive ones, regardless of gender. These findings suggest gender influences the interpretation of postural cues, with broader implications for social and professional interactions.
