How Your Clothes Shape Your Mind: Enclothed Cognition
Psych 🧠- 383/500
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What is it?
Enclothed cognition is the psychological effect where the clothes we wear influence our thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
For example, wearing formal attire can make someone feel more competent, while athletic wear can increase motivation for exercise.
Coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky (2012), this concept suggests that clothing carries symbolic meaning, and when we wear specific outfits, we subconsciously adopt traits associated with them.
Examples of Enclothed Cognition:
The Lab Coat Experiment: Participants wearing a doctor’s lab coat performed better on attention-related tasks than those in casual clothes.
Work Attire & Productivity: Employees in professional attire report feeling more confident and focused compared to casual dress days.
Gym Clothes & Fitness Motivation: Simply wearing workout gear increases the likelihood of engaging in physical activity.
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What do I need to know:
What You Wear Affects How You Think: Clothing is not just external—it shapes internal perceptions and behaviors.
Dress with Intention: Choosing outfits that align with desired traits (e.g., confidence, productivity) can subconsciously enhance performance.
Symbolism Matters: The meaning attached to clothing influences how we behave while wearing it.
Use It to Your Advantage: Dressing appropriately for tasks (e.g., workout gear for exercise, formal wear for meetings) can prime the brain for success.
Source:
Adam & Galinsky (2012): Found that wearing a doctor’s coat improved sustained attention and focus.
Power Dressing Research: Studies indicate that formal wear increases abstract thinking and feelings of power, making individuals more persuasive.