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

Abstract

Abstract Background The current study attempted to replicate the original findings regarding the effects of power posing on testosterone and cortisol levels as well as on feelings of power and risk-taking. We further extended the investigation by testing the effect of power posing on estrogen and progesterone levels. Methods A sample of 92 young adults (30 men; 32 women taking oral contraceptives; and 30 women not taking oral contraceptives who were in their midluteal phase) were randomly assigned to high-power-pose or low-power-pose conditions. They completed a risk-taking task which asked about their feelings of power, and their neuroendocrine levels were measured 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 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 women taking oral contraceptives, high-power posing increased estrogen levels, while low-power posing decreased estrogen levels. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that estrogen is influenced by short-term exposure to social cues under specific hormonal profiles.