Embodiment in Social Psychology

TLDR

Psychologists increasingly focus on embodiment, assuming thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are grounded in bodily interaction with the environment, yet much of the burgeoning research remains descriptive rather than explanatory. The authors examine embodiment’s use in social psychology, critically discuss its trajectory, and argue that future research should adopt a phenomenon‑based approach, clarify boundary conditions and mediators, employ novel action‑relevant outcome measures, and consider broadly defined individual differences. 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.

Abstract

Abstract 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.