60-Second Mind 60-Second Mind | Mind & Brain

Our Bodies, Our Brains

Recent studies have shown that moving our body in certain ways can improve our ability to think. Christie Nicholson reports

Listen to this Podcast

The Wisdom of Psychopaths

In this groundbreaking adventure into the worlds of psychopaths, the renowned psychologist Kevin Dutton argues that there is a fine line between a brilliant...

Read More »

[Below is the original script. But a few changes may have been made during the recording of this audio podcast.]

Remember the expression: “Talk to the hand.”?

Since it came from: "Talk to the hand, ‘cause the face don't give a damn." I’d say it’s a negative statement.

Well, regardless of the words, the image of a pushed out arm is often connected to something negative.

And an arm beckoning towards oneself is typically connected to something positive.

In fact, body movement can become so strongly connected to the accompanying thoughts that the mere movement itself can elicit associated feelings, according to studies.

A recent experiment published in Psychological Science shows that approaching or moving away from an object can actually affect our thought processes. And body movements which are connected to negative emotions tend to enhance cognitive ability. The authors say that’s probably because adverse situations typically require more cognitive control to deal with potentially bad consequences.

Working with 38 subjects, the scientists confirmed that either a step forward (a typically positive movement) or a step backward (usually negative) significantly changed one’s ability to perform a mental task.

Taking four steps back improved a subject’s accuracy and timing on the task, whereas taking four steps forward led to longer processing times and more errors.

Gives you a new angle on the line: “Take a step back and think for a second.”

—Christie Nicholson


1 Comments

Add Comment
View
  1. 1. tshi_04 08:10 PM 6/20/09

    thanks, it's so helpful to me, I like this podcast!
    thatks

    Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this
Leave this field empty

Add a Comment

You must log in or register as a ScientificAmerican.com member to submit a comment.
Advertisement

Follow Scientific American

  SA Digital

Scientific American Newsletter

Get weekly coverage delivered to your inbox.

Scientific American Podcasts

risk free title graphic

YES! Send me a free issue of Scientific American with no obligation to continue the subscription. If I like it, I will be billed for the one-year subscription.

cover image
Advertisement

Email this Article

Our Bodies, Our Brains

X

Please Log In

Forgot: Password

X

Account Linking

Welcome, . Do you have an existing ScientificAmerican.com account?

Yes, please link my existing account with for quick, secure access.



Forgot Password?

No, I would like to create a new account with my profile information.

Create Account
X

Report Abuse

Are you sure?

X

Share this Article

X