Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist best known for her research on non-verbal behaviour, power dynamics, and the effects of body language on self-confidence and performance.
Her work on ‘power posing’ became popular after her 2012 TED Talk, Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are. It is one of the most-viewed TED Talks of all time.
Contribution
1. Power posing
Cuddy’s research, conducted with Dana Carney and Andy Yap, suggested that adopting ‘high-power poses’ (e.g., standing tall with arms outstretched, or with arms on hips, like Wonder Woman) could increase testosterone, decrease cortisol (the stress hormone), and make individuals feel more confident and assertive.
She argued that ‘power posing’ could lead to improved performance in high-stakes situations, such as job interviews or public speaking, even if practiced for just two minutes beforehand.
2. Imposter syndrome
In her 2015 book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, Cuddy explored how small changes in body language and mindset could help people overcome imposter syndrome and perform more authentically.
She emphasises ‘personal power’ over ‘power over others,’ advocating for practices that help individuals feel grounded and confident.
3. Nonverbal communication
Cuddy’s broader research explores how nonverbal cues (like posture and facial expressions) influence not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves.
Controversy
After the initial publication of her findings, Cuddy’s research on power posing came under significant scrutiny during the ‘replication crisis’ in psychology, a movement that has revealed that many psychological studies cannot be replicated with consistent results. Cuddy faced three challenges.
1. Failed replications
In 2015, Dana Carney, one of Cuddy’s co-authors, publicly distanced herself from the power posing research, stating that the effects on hormones were not replicable and that she no longer stood by the claims.
Independent replication studies have consistently failed to find evidence that power poses significantly affect testosterone, cortisol, or behaviour in the way Cuddy’s original study suggested.
2. Criticism
Critics argued that the original study’s sample size was too small and that statistical methods may have inflated the significance of the findings.
Some accused Cuddy of overstating the practical applications of power posing, particularly in her TED Talk and public appearances.
3. Backlash
The backlash became personal, with Cuddy facing intense criticism, including public shaming and online harassment. Some academics accused her of overhyping unproven science to gain fame and commercial success.
The controversy sparked a broader debate about the ethics of science communication and the role of public figures in popularising academic findings.
Verdict
The consensus among scientists today is that the original claims about hormonal changes (testosterone and cortisol) have not been reliably replicated and are considered unsubstantiated.
While the hormonal effects remain doubtful, some evidence suggests that adopting expansive postures can improve subjective feelings of confidence and reduce perceived stress. These effects are likely psychological rather than physiological.
Cuddy continues to advocate for ‘power posing’ as a tool for improving confidence, albeit with a more cautious framing. She now emphasises the subjective benefits (how you feel) rather than biological effects.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy, she remains a respected figure in popular psychology for her contributions to discussions on nonverbal behaviour and presence.
Cuddy’s work on body language has sparked both inspiration and intense debate. While the claims about power posing’s physiological effects have largely been debunked, the idea that body language can influence confidence and self-perception remains influential.
Her experience also highlights the challenges of translating academic research into popular culture and the risks of oversimplification in science communication.