Abstract
Understanding of consciousness appears to be more dependent of sensorimotor information in later life than previously thought. Research has examined effects of hand flexion on attitudes or learning, but not on anxiety or stress. Line of research examined posturing, and how posture can influence confidence or socially related anxiety. Emotion appears to be lateralized, and asymmetry in brain activity across hemispheres is associated with maladaptive emotional activity. Asymmetrical unilateral hand movements were hypothesized to affect this asymmetry and produce a reduction of anxiety or increase in stress-responsiveness. Participants in one experimental condition were instructed to perform gripping movement with their right hand, while performing left-hand extensions. The second experimental condition instructed execution of the opposite movements with each hand. Data collection could not be completed, but data are suggestive of some hypotheses having a chance of receiving support with greater sample.
Advisor
Casey, Michael
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Mican, Marek, "Effects of Hand Movement on Stress and Anxiety" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10444.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10444
Disciplines
Biological Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Cognition and Perception | Health Psychology | Pain Management | Somatic Psychology | Theory and Philosophy
Keywords
emotion, anxiety, stress, lateralization, flexion, extension, somatic marker
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Marek Mican