
Study Links Posture to Manipulative Personality Traits | Image Source: www.inc.com
MONTREAL, Canada, 22 December 2024 – A recent study by McGill University sheds light on how posture can provide clues about a person’s personality, especially when it comes to manipulating trends. According to Psychology Today and www.inc.com, people who take a straight and open position may be more inclined ​to such characteristics as psychopathy, competitiveness and manipulation. This intriguing research provides information on subtle non-verbal questions that reveal the underlying psychological characteristics.
McGill University Research Perspectives
The study, conducted by researchers from McGill University in Montreal, included five separate research projects, with a total of 608 participants, mainly young ​adults. In the first four studies, participants were invited to provide photographs of themselves in natural, dominant or submitted poses. The fifth study was conducted in a controlled laboratory where participants’ positions were ​directly assessed. As a result of ​these studies, researchers have consistently found that individuals with erect, open and broad positions are more marked for characteristics ​such ​as manipulation, belief in social hierarchies and psychopathy.
The doctor. Susan ​Krauss Whitbourne, ​an emerging professor in psychological ​and ​brain sciences ​at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, reviewed the results and highlighted their implications in a post from Psychology ​Today. According ​to ​Whitbourne, this position can be ​a subtle but revealing indicator of someone’s personality, especially in professional or interpersonal ​interactions. “People in constantly expanding positions are easier to take advantage of others for their own benefit,” he said.
Position as ​a Clue to Personality
Although posture ​alone is not definitive ​proof ​of someone’s character, research suggests that it can be a valuable piece of the puzzle when assessing a person’s personality over time. Whitbourne ​explained ​that ​individuals with less energy-seeking or manipulation ​tendencies tend ​to vary their positions depending on the situation. On the other hand, those with dominant ​or psychopathic characteristics often maintain a constant and extended position. This consistency may indicate ​an underlying desire to control or influence others.
According to the study, the correlation between posture ​and personality underscores the complex interaction between non-verbal behaviour and ​psychological characteristics. For example, ​people who ​have participated in activities such as dance or gymnastics can naturally take a vertical position due to training, rather than an inherent inclination to manipulative behaviour. Thus, the context and additional observations are essential to accurately interpret these indications.
Impact on business and relationships
These findings have a significant impact on professional and personal relationships. According to www.inc.com, understanding ​the possible link ​between posture and personality can be particularly useful in ​assessing business partners, colleagues or ​even potential rentals. Open and expansive positions may not ​always mean confidence or capacity; it may also ​indicate a propensity for self-sufficient handling ​or behaviour. Observing how ​someone’s position changes in different scenarios can provide more information about their intentions and character.
In addition, ​this research encourages people to remain attentive to non-verbal signals in their interactions. Aware of ​these subtle signs, people can better ​navigate social dynamics and protect themselves from being exploited in ​business ​or personal treatment.
Broader context of position ​studies
This study adds to a growing number of researches ​that explore the links between body language and ​personality traits. Over the years, psychologists have increasingly ​recognized the role of non-verbal communication ​in revealing unexpressed intentions ​and emotions. From the firmness of the handshake to visual contact, non-verbal indices ​have ​long been studied as indicators of confidence and social field. McGill’s study broadens this understanding by focusing specifically on position ​as predictor of manipulative tendencies.
According to Whitbourne’s analysis, it is essential to interpret these results in the broader context of individual differences and environmental influences. As Psychology ​Today points out, personality is multifaceted, and behaviours like rectum may come from various factors not related to manipulative tendencies. ​The position should therefore be considered together with other behavioural indicators to form a comprehensive character assessment.
While research highlights the importance ​of non-verbal issues, it also highlights the ​need to continue studies to deepen our understanding ​of these complex dynamics. Future research could examine whether there are similar trends in different age ​groups, cultural contexts and professional backgrounds.
In conclusion, McGill University’s study ​offers a fascinating view of subtle forms ​of ​body ​language that reflect personality traits. By paying attention to the position and its consistency over time, individuals can gain valuable information about the intentions and behaviours of those around them, encouraging better decision-making in the personal ​and professional spheres.