Is Your Posture Making You Depressed?

Slouching can crush self-esteem and energy while sitting up straight boosts energy, enthusiasm, and attention, a study has found.

17:44 01 February 2017

A new study has found that sitting up straight can help combat depression.

 

Lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Broadbent explains: 'Compared to sitting in a slumped position, sitting upright can make you feel more proud after a success, increase your persistence at an unsolvable task, and make you feel more confident in your thoughts,'

 

'Research also suggests that sitting upright can make you feel more alert and enthusiastic, feel less fearful, and have higher self-esteem after a stressful task.'

 

The study was participated by 61 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate depression. Half of them was instructed to sit naturally while the other half was told to sit with a straight back during a screening test. They were then asked to complete a high-pressured stress-measuring task. Those who were sat straight had more energy and more enthusiasm. 

 

Speaking to Psychology Today, Dr Broadbent explained explained what pushed her to conduct the study. She said: 'I noticed that I was walking with my shoulders slumped and looking at the ground. I looked up and put my shoulders back, and immediately I felt much better,' she said.

 

'I hypothesized that, if this worked for me, it might work for other people, too.

 

'That is what got me started on this research pathway.

 

'From my own experience and from my research, I think adopting an upright posture can help people feel better.

 

'But I think much depends on context and situation, and more research is needed into when [this strategy] works and for whom.'