AN EFFECT OF POSTURE ON ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of body posture on state anxiety and psychological stress. Twenty normal adults performed a demanding mental arithmetic task in both standing and supine conditions, with subjective measures of anxiety and stress obtained before, immediately, and 10 min after the task. Participants were found to experience anticipatory anxiety when standing, although not when supine. The mechanism underlying this effect remains to be determined, although it could involve a postural difference in baroreceptor load.

Keywords:

• anxiety
• baroreceptors
• posture
• psychological stress
• standing
• supine