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 language | English |
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Article number | 726 |
Journal | BMC psychology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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