Does posing like Wonder Woman make you feel powerful? | CBS Photo Archives/Getty Images
In 2010, researchers Amy Cuddy, Dana Carney and Andy Yap reported that people who adopted expansive postures — so-called “power poses,” like putting your hands on your hips — had higher levels of the “macho” hormone testosterone and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and were more likely to take risks than those who struck more timid poses, such as crossing your arms.
People soon started assuming Superman-like stances to step up their game in high-stakes situations. And Cuddy — with a best-selling book, packed speaking engagements and a popular TED talk — has become a power-pose guru.
But now, after a change of heart about the study’s controversial methodology, Carney is at odds with her former collaborator about whether there’s actually any power in the power pose. In Science Smackdown, we invited the former ...
