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Introduction to Embodied Psychology: Thinking, Feeling, and Acting

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Handbook of Embodied Psychology

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. North Dakota State University, NDSU Dept. 2765, PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND, 58108-6050, USA

    Michael D. Robinson & Laura E. Thomas

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  1. Michael D. Robinson
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  2. Laura E. Thomas
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Correspondence to Michael D. Robinson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. NDSU Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA

    Michael D. Robinson

  2. NDSU Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA

    Laura E. Thomas

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Robinson, M.D., Thomas, L.E. (2021). Introduction to Embodied Psychology: Thinking, Feeling, and Acting. In: Robinson, M.D., Thomas, L.E. (eds) Handbook of Embodied Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78471-3_1

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