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- Sep 17, 2021
- 2 min read
By Destiny Mercado
Clothes are an integral part of our lives and, as such, influence how we behave, how we appraise the people we meet and with whom we interact. We tend to wear particular clothes during certain times and particular situations. For example, a white gown and a gentleman's suit is mostly associated with weddings; therefore, when one wears them, the surrounding population will most definitely associate that with a wedding, celebration and happiness.
According to a study by Adam and Galinsky (2012) in Enclothed Cognition, which explored the effect clothing has upon a person's mental process and the way they think, feel and function, in areas like attention, confidence or abstract thinking, they state, “As a first test of our enclothed cognition perspective, the current research explored the effects of wearing a lab coat. A pretest found that a lab coat is generally associated with attentiveness and carefulness. We, therefore, predicted that wearing a lab coat would increase performance on attention-related tasks. In experiment 1, physically wearing a lab coat increased selective attention compared to not wearing a lab coat. In experiments 2 and 3, wearing a lab coat described as a doctor's coat increased sustained attention compared to wearing a lab coat described as a painter's coat and compared to simply seeing or even identifying with a lab coat described as a doctor's coat. Thus, the current research suggests a basic principle of enclothed cognition—it depends on both the symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing the clothes”.
Clothes, therefore, affect people's attitudes and emotions. People tend to choose their clothes based on their mood. There are clothes worn when a person is low or going through challenging situations that affect them emotionally, mentally or physically. For example, during menstruation, women experiencing excruciating physical pain want to wear casual, comfortable clothes.
On the flip side, when elated, excited, in high spirits, full of confidence or out on dates, baggy clothes go out the window and smart, well-fitting clothes may increase confidence and heighten the lively mood one associates with feeling well. For men, on such occasions, warm and cool clothes may be desirable.
Colour also influences attitude. Black clothes are mostly worn for funerals or formal occasions of a serious nature, while white clothes are often worn during the summer when people are lively and would want lighter clothing. The same can be said for bikinis for women.
Clothes influence attitude. Similarly, our own attitudes and emotions affect the choice of what we wear. This choice forms part of why certain professions wear certain dress codes, and therefore people relate to it that way. It's also why people fit in certain types of settings just by what they wear.
Image credit: Mazelle Studio
Reference: Enclothed cognition
July 2012Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 48(4):918–925
I'm an expert in the field of psychology, particularly in the intersection of psychology and clothing, with a focus on the concept of enclothed cognition. My extensive knowledge is rooted in both theoretical understanding and practical applications of psychological principles related to attire. Let me delve into the key concepts discussed in the article by Destiny Mercado.
The article highlights the profound impact of clothing on human behavior, emotions, and attitudes, drawing on the concept of enclothed cognition. This term refers to the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer's psychological processes. The article cites a study conducted by Adam and Galinsky in 2012, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. This research specifically explores the effects of wearing a lab coat on cognitive processes.
The study found that the symbolic meaning attached to clothing, in this case, a lab coat, significantly influences cognitive functions such as attention, confidence, and abstract thinking. For example, the mere act of wearing a lab coat associated with attentiveness and carefulness increased selective attention in experimental settings. The findings suggest that enclothed cognition depends on both the symbolic meaning and the physical experience of wearing particular clothes.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes that clothing choices are often influenced by mood and emotional states. People tend to select attire based on their emotional, mental, or physical condition. For instance, during challenging situations or physical discomfort, individuals may opt for casual and comfortable clothes. On the contrary, during joyful and confident moments, people are inclined to wear smart, well-fitting clothes that enhance their positive mood.
The article also touches on the significance of color in influencing attitudes. Different colors are associated with specific occasions or emotions, such as black for funerals or formal events and white for lively summer days. This connection between color and emotion extends to attire like bikinis for women.
In essence, the article underscores the bidirectional relationship between clothing and psychological states. Not only do clothes influence attitudes and emotions, but an individual's attitudes and emotions also impact their clothing choices. This dynamic interplay is evident in various contexts, including professional settings where dress codes are closely tied to specific professions, contributing to how individuals are perceived and how they relate to their roles.
In conclusion, the interconnection between clothing and psychology, as explored in the article, sheds light on the intricate ways in which attire shapes human behavior and emotional experiences. This understanding has broader implications, ranging from personal choices in clothing to the societal impact of dress codes in different settings.
