Premium
Embodiment in Social Psychology
Author(s) -
Meier Brian P.,
Schnall Simone,
Schwarz Norbert,
Bargh John A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
topics in cognitive science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.191
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1756-8765
pISSN - 1756-8757
DOI - 10.1111/j.1756-8765.2012.01212.x
Subject(s) - psychology , phenomenon , feeling , embodied cognition , action (physics) , social psychology , explanatory model , epistemology , cognitive psychology , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics
Psychologists are increasingly interested in embodiment based on the assumption that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are grounded in bodily interaction with the environment. We examine how embodiment is used in social psychology, and we explore the ways in which embodied approaches enrich traditional theories. Although research in this area is burgeoning, much of it has been more descriptive than explanatory. We provide a critical discussion of the trajectory of embodiment research in social psychology. We contend that future researchers should engage in a phenomenon‐based approach, highlight the theoretical boundary conditions and mediators involved, explore novel action‐relevant outcome measures, and address the role of individual differences broadly defined. Such research will likely provide a more explanatory account of the role of embodiment in general terms as well as how it expands the knowledge base in social psychology.