Sitting Upright Can Improve Self-Confidence and Satisfaction with Life: A Two-Week Randomized Control Well-being Intervention

This research tests the psychological effects of assuming an erect seated posture daily for two weeks in a randomized control well-being intervention. Nowadays, people spend increasing amounts of time seated, a behavioral pattern associated with a variety of adverse mental health outcomes. From prior research on embodiment (i.e., how a person’s physical display can affect their psychology), temporary inductions of erect seated posture can lead to more positive affect. In the current work, we examine the psychological consequences (e.g., satisfaction with life; self-confidence) of holding this posture on a daily basis for an extended period of time (i.e., 14-18 days) and we explore a theoretical understanding of the specific psychological profile associated with this bodily display. This work finds that sitting with an erect posture can be beneficial regardless of whether there is a covert or overt understanding about the intended benefits, and regardless of whether people rely on external devices to help monitor their posture or not.