A new study reveals you can spot a manipulator by observing their body language

A recent study suggests that you can spot a manipulator by observing their body language.

Posture can offer small but important clues about a person’s personality, says Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor emerita at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Writing for Psychology Today, Krauss Whitbourne discussed research from McGill University that explored the connection between posture and personality traits.

While posture isn’t enough to fully understand someone’s character, it can reveal their mental state—valuable information for navigating business relationships and making informed decisions.

According to research from McGill University, how to spot a manipulator may come down to observing their posture.

Krauss Whitbourne highlighted these findings as a potential way to better understand someone’s intentions based on their body language.

What does body language reveal about emotions and intentions?

A 2024 study from McGill University highlights how body language can reveal emotions and intentions.

Researchers Soren Wanio-Theberge and Jorge Armony found that raised fists often signal anger while leaning the torso backward can indicate fear.

The study also noted that a curved lower back, or “lordotic” posture, is tied to sexual receptivity in female mammals, and an arched back is a sign of aggression in some animals.

When it comes to dominance, an open, upright posture stands out. At the same time, submissive individuals typically display slumped shoulders and closed-off body language.

McGill University researchers have identified key body language cues that can help interpret a person’s intentions, offering valuable insights into how to spot a manipulator.

While reading familiar individuals is easier, these cues are beneficial for understanding strangers.

The researchers emphasize looking at these signals individually and in combination. However, they caution that occasional postures, like retreating in fear, may not always reflect someone’s true character.

They also suggest that posture can reveal stable personality traits, such as differences between extroverts and introverts, and may even hint at psychopathic traits.

The study focused on how body language connects to social dominance, a vital personality aspect.

The link between posture and personality

A series of five studies by McGill University explored the connection between posture and personality, involving 608 young adult participants.

Four studies asked participants to submit photos of themselves standing naturally, while the fifth included lab visits for physiological measurements.

The research revealed that people with more erect postures scored higher on traits linked to psychopathy.

A follow-up study confirmed that these postural traits remained consistent over time.

In one part of the study, participants were asked to adopt either dominant or submissive poses.

While the “power pose” theory suggests that standing confidently can boost one’s mental state, the study found no evidence to support that posture alone significantly changes people’s feelings.

The idea that people with erect postures might show psychopathic traits may sound surprising at first.

However, the fifth study in a series from McGill University confirmed earlier findings and deepened the investigation.

The researchers looked at a broader range of traits, including psychopathy, manipulativeness, competitiveness, and a strong belief in social hierarchies.

The authors noted that these traits are “the use of intimidation in order to improve one’s access to resources in the environment at the expense of others.”

The researchers suggest that the drive for dominance comes from believing that being at the bottom of social hierarchies is unbearable.

A feedback loop often reinforces this desire to dominate: individuals who maintain an erect, expansive posture, which requires physical strength, are usually seen as superior by others.

This perception of superiority further fuels their need for dominance and strengthens their behaviors.

How do you spot a manipulator using posture?

Spotting a manipulator can sometimes be as simple as observing their posture.

While some naturally stand tall due to activities like dance or sports, a study suggests that those who consistently adopt a dominant, expansive posture may display undesirable personality traits.

In contrast, individuals who don’t adopt such a posture tend to show more varied body language, suggesting a more balanced and less manipulative approach to social interactions.

However, it’s important to consider the study’s limitations, such as its focus on a primarily female college sample and the fact that it only highlights correlation, not causation.

Other factors, like cultural influences or age-related changes in body mass, could also affect posture.

Still, suppose someone regularly uses intimidating body language to assert dominance, even subtly. In that case, it may be a red flag to watch for when learning to spot a manipulator.

Here’s Dan Jones discussing how to spot a master manipulator via TEDx Talks:

Disclaimer: This article summarizes the findings of a recent study. The information presented here is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as the author’s or this website’s endorsement of any particular viewpoint or perspective. It is crucial to remember that individual experiences and interpretations may vary.