Embodiment as a unifying perspective for psychology

Arthur Glenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

375 Scopus citations

Abstract

A basic claim of the embodiment framework is that all psychological processes are influenced by body morphology, sensory systems, motor systems, and emotions. As such, the framework holds the promise of providing a unifying perspective for psychological research. This article begins with a sketch of several arguments, from evolution to philosophy, as to why the embodiment framework is a good bet. These arguments are followed by a review of approaches to embodiment, including those from cognitive linguistics, perceptual symbol theory, and action-based theories. Finally, examples are provided for how a unifying perspective might work for cognition (including language and memory), cognitive and social development, social psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, and psychology applied to education.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)586-596
Number of pages11
JournalWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Psychology

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