The effects of power posing on neuroendocrine levels and risk-taking

Efrat Barel, Shosh Shahrabani, Lila Mahagna, Refaat Massalha, Raul Colodner, Orna Tzischinsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The current study attempted to replicate the original findings regarding the effects of power posing on testosterone and cortisol levels, risk-taking behavior, and perceived power. We further extended the investigation by testing the effect of power posing on estradiol and progesterone levels. Methods: A sample of 92 young adults (30 males; 32 females taking oral contraceptives; and 30 females not taking oral contraceptives who were in their midluteal phase) were randomly assigned to high-power-pose or low-power-pose conditions and asked about their feelings of power. They completed a risk-taking task, and their neuroendocrine levels were measured both at baseline and following the power manipulation. Results: Power posing was not found to replicate the original results regarding effects on testosterone levels or feelings of power; however, our findings partially supported the original results regarding effects on cortisol levels and risk-taking. Among high-power posers, a decrease in cortisol levels was associated with risk tolerance. Power posing was not found to influence progesterone levels. However, among females taking oral contraceptives, high-power posing increased estradiol levels. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that estradiol is influenced by short-term exposure to social cues under specific hormonal profiles.

Original languageEnglish
Article number726
JournalBMC psychology
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 5 Dec 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

Keywords

  • Cortisol
  • Endocrine levels
  • Power posing
  • Risk-taking
  • Sex hormones

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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