Body in Mind: The Role of Embodied Cognition in Self‐Regulation
Abstract
We review a growing body of literature that evidences the reciprocal relationship between body and mind, known as embodied cognition. We argue that an embodied mind may serve a functional purpose, aiding in self‐regulatory processes. Specifically, we suggest that embodied cognition assists in self‐regulation by increasing signal strength, encouraging appropriate goal‐relevant action, and incorporating situational constraints to cue appropriate information processing styles. Furthermore, we propose that affect serves as the link between an embodied mind and self‐regulatory action. Finally, we situate this research in debates on theories of mind, and we advocate for a highly interactive system that integrates information across modalities.
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Through embodied cognition, sensory experiences of impressions from the environment can present a sense that can guide further actions.
“Through embodied cognition, sensory experiences of impressions from the environment can present a sense that can guide further actions (Gibson, 1979; Balcetis and Cole, 2009; Grahn et al., 2010; Ottosson et al., 2015; Adevi et al., 2018).”
From The Oxytocinergic System as a Mediator of Anti-stress and Instorative Effects Induced by Nature: The Calm and Connection Theory (2021) · cites this paper as Balcetis and Cole, 2009
Cites
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037//0003-066x.56.3.218 · Cited by 3,512 · see citing works
Self-control relies on glucose as a limited energy source: Willpower is more than a metaphor.
Gailliot, M. T., Baumeister, R. F., DeWall, C. N., Maner, J. K., Plant, E. A., Tice, D. M., Brewer, L. E., & Schmeichel, B. J. (2007) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.92.2.325 · Cited by 1,297 · see citing works
Origins of domain specificity: The evolution of functional organization
Cosmides, L., & Tooby, J. (1994) · Mapping the Mind · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511752902.005 · Cited by 849 · see citing works
Restoring the self: Positive affect helps improve self-regulation following ego depletion
Tice, D. M., Baumeister, R. F., Shmueli, D., & Muraven, M. (2007) · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2006.05.007 · Cited by 836 · see citing works
Pitch discrimination in the early blind
Gougoux, F., Lepore, F., Lassonde, M., Voss, P., Zatorre, R. J., & Belin, P. (2004) · Nature · doi:10.1038/430309a · Cited by 422 · see citing works
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Grahn, P., Ottosson, J., & Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.617814 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
- Authors
- Balcetis, E., & Cole, S.
- Affiliations
- Ohio University (US)
- Venue
- Social and Personality Psychology Compass
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2009-09
- Volume
- 3
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 759-774
- ISSN
- 1751-9004 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2004005665
- Cited by
- 34
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 4
- FWCI
- 0.16
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Social and Personality Psychology Compass (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Embodied and Extended Cognition
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Language, Metaphor, and Cognition
- Keywords
- embodied cognition, self-regulation, mind-body problem, affect, goal-directed action, situational constraints, information processing style, theory of mind, multisensory integration, signal strength
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