When they entered their laboratory, 71 students from the University of Ohio in the United States were invited to sit down. They had the choice between two positions: one with the back straight, the other more curved so as to see the knees. They were then asked to write three characteristic points of their personality, positive or negative. These had to relate to their professional abilities, as part of a fictitious job. The students then self-assessed their ability to be good employees.

According to this study, published in October in the "European Journal of Social Psychology", students sitting with a straight back had more confidence in them than the others, in the slumped position, who evaluated themselves negative.

"People generally believe that their self-confidence comes from their own thoughts, they do not realize how much their position can play on what they think of themselves" said Richard Petty, co-author of the investigation.

To have confidence in oneself, one must therefore stand straight, the chest slightly forward and the shoulders back. In addition to the position, insurance can be arranged through small everyday gestures such as offering a gift for each success, listening to a piece of music, focusing only on positive things ... Looking after your posture also means look at each other in the eyes. On the other hand, to feel good about yourself, to look after your physical appearance are all elements that play on your morale.

Your body language may shape who you are | Amy Cuddy (April 2024)