Introduction to Embodied Psychology: Thinking, Feeling, and Acting

Psychological phenomena are embodied to the extent that bodily processes (whether perceptual, expressive, or action-oriented) contribute to them. A great deal of research, most of which has occurred in the past several decades, has revealed that embodied influences are seemingly ubiquitous and findings of this type have led to the suggestion that embodiment is foundational to the manner in which individuals think, feel, and act. In the present introductory chapter, phenomena of this type are initially reviewed in outlining the scope of enquiry. Subsequently, five major theoretical perspectives on embodiment are summarized as well as briefly compared and contrasted with each other. After a discussion of key questions and directions for research, the chapter introduces the content of the book, which consists of four sections related to Theoretical Foundations, Cognitive and Neuroscience Perspectives, Social and Personality Perspectives, and Current Issues and Future Directions. Although the book concentrates on the areas of cognitive and social psychology, it does so in broad terms, such that some of the chapters approach their content from ecological, philosophical, developmental, clinical, or evolutionary viewpoints. Thus, the volume is comprehensive and should appeal to multiple audiences.