Friday Philosophies: Enclothed Cognition: The Science in Dressing for Success
Sep 8, 2023
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Join Michelle and Wallis as they explore Enclothed Cognition, discussing how our attire shapes our thoughts, emotions, and outcomes. Discover the power of clothing choices in influencing behavior, mood, perception, and cognitive abilities. Experiment with different outfits to feel empowered and confident. Dive into the psychological impact and historical traditions surrounding clothing. Explore morning glory vs. night owl dynamics and the importance of allowing oneself time without guilt. Learn about embodied cognition and the idea of a 'uniform' for grad school.
Clothing choices can shape how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us, affecting our confidence and interactions.
Wearing specific clothing can trigger symbolic meanings, impacting our behavior and mindset.
Deep dives
The Power of Enclosed Cognition: How Clothing Influences our Performance
Enclosed cognition is the concept that the clothes we wear have a symbolic meaning and can influence our behavior and performance. In a study conducted at Northwestern University, researchers found that wearing a lab coat associated with a doctor's attire increased participants' attention and focus on attention-related tasks. This highlights the importance of the symbolic meaning attached to clothing and how it can affect our mindset and abilities. The study also explored other examples, such as the impact of formal clothing on perceived intelligence and trustworthiness, and the association of certain clothing items with different behaviors. Understanding and harnessing the power of enclosed cognition can help individuals enhance their performance and mindset in various contexts by intentionally choosing clothing that embodies the desired qualities or mindset they want to project.
The Link Between Clothing and Symbolic Meaning
Enclosed cognition is based on the idea that there exists a direct link between the physical experience of wearing certain clothing and its symbolic meaning. Clothing can trigger associated abstract concepts that influence our behavior and mindset. The study explored how clothing choices can affect attention, moral purity, intelligence perception, trustworthiness, and even performance in specific tasks. This suggests that clothing is more than just a functional necessity but can serve as a powerful tool to shape our attitudes, actions, and self-perception. By understanding the symbolic meanings behind clothing and intentionally selecting outfits, individuals can tap into the benefits of enclosed cognition to enhance their mindset and behavior.
The Impact of Wearing a Lab Coat
The study specifically investigated the effects of wearing a lab coat associated with a doctor's attire. Participants who wore the lab coat while performing tasks requiring attention showed increased selectivity and sustained attention compared to those not wearing the lab coat or those wearing it without the doctor association. This suggests that the physical experience of wearing the lab coat triggered the associated abstract concepts related to attentiveness and carefulness. It demonstrates the power of enclosed cognition, indicating that the clothing we wear can influence our mindset, focus, and performance in specific tasks. This finding emphasizes the importance of intentionally choosing clothing that aligns with the desired mindset and behavior for optimal performance.
Practical Applications of Enclosed Cognition
Enclosed cognition offers practical ways to enhance performance and mindset in various contexts. By intentionally selecting clothing that embodies desired qualities or mindset, individuals can tap into the symbolic meanings and associations tied to specific clothing items. Whether it is embracing the professionalism of formal attire for a job interview or wearing clothing that represents athleticism for a workout, the clothing we choose can influence our behavior and mindset. Understanding the power of enclosed cognition allows individuals to make deliberate clothing choices to boost confidence, focus, and performance in different areas of life.
Join co-hosts Michelle and Wallis as they explore the concept of "Enclothed Cognition" and the fascinating study that introduced the term. This episode mixes the science with the practical, including: how our attire can influence our thoughts, emotions, and even outcomes in various situations, and what the experiments conducted in the study revealed about how clothing choices can influence behavior, mood, perception, and even cognitive abilities.
Plus, how our own style choices have impacted our experiences, including patterns Michelle noticed between what she was wearing and the outcome of investor meetings. Tune in to learn more about the ways what you wear can be a superpower in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.
Key Takeaways
Our clothing choices can shape how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us, affecting our confidence and interactions.
Wearing specific clothing can trigger symbolic meanings, impacting our behavior and mindset.
Enclosed cognition suggests that the combination of wearing a particular outfit and its associated symbolism influences our performance in various tasks.
Experiment with different outfits and styles to find what makes you feel most empowered and confident in different situations.
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