The Effect of Enclothed Cognition on Empathic Responses and Helping Behavior

Abstract

Abstract. Based on the enclothed cognition framework, we tested whether the physical experience of wearing a tunic and identifying it with a nursing scrub may enhance empathic and helping responding, compared to the solely physical experience of wearing the scrub or associating with its symbolic meaning. Results of Study 1 (United Kingdom; n = 150) showed that participants who wore a tunic and identified it with a nursing scrub reported higher empathic concern and helped more in a punctual scenario, compared to the other two conditions. Results of Study 2 (Spain; n = 100) supported findings from Study 1 and showed that participants who wore a tunic and identified it with a nursing scrub volunteered more hours and showed higher response latency for altruistic motivation relevant words. Thus, the current research supports the enclothed cognition framework and shows that it also affects vicarious emotions and prosocial behavior.

Embodying the Police: The Effects of Enclothed Cognition on Shooting Decisions

“…Those who were wary of police abusing their power tended not to show an increase in shooting unarmed targets as a result of wearing a police uniform, whereas those who were supportive of police power were more likely to shoot unarmed civilians while wearing the uniform. This moderating effect of participants' attitudes associated with the article of clothing is consistent with recent research showing that the symbolic meaning of an article of clothing is an independent factor in determining the effect on one's cognitions and behavior (L opez-Pe´rez et al, 2016). Our behavioral findings therefore extend our understanding of enclothed cognition theory by demonstrating that its effects are not limited to general attentional processes, and that the impact of physically wearing symbolic clothing can be influenced by more personal associations.…”

“…These results therefore suggest that enclothed cognition effects are dependent on the clothing’s symbolic meaning and are distinct from those that would be caused by basic priming (Adam & Galinsky, 2012). Indeed, enclothed cognition requires both the physical experience and the attribution of meaning, as the same article of clothing can have different influences based on personal associations with the item (e.g., whether a tunic is identified as a cleaning or nursing uniform; López-Pérez, Ambrona, Wilson, & Khalil, 2016).…”

An old task in new clothes: A preregistered direct replication attempt of enclothed cognition effects on Stroop performance

“…Previous research clearly indicates that different clothing choices can change the way that participants describe themselves (Hannover & Kuhnen, 2002) and other measures of self reflection. Furthermore, studies such as those by López-Pérez et al (2016) and Civile and Obhi (2017) indicate measurable effects that appear to depend on both the significance attached to the clothing and that participants actually wear it. However, we wish to call into question the stronger claim that enclothed cognition has demonstrated effects on how we think rather than just what we think.…”

“What if It’s not Just an Item of Clothing?” – A Narrative Review and Synthesis of the White Coat in the Context of Aged Care

“…The studies more relevant to our research are those conducted by López-Pérez et al ( 2016 ). Beyond the influence that the white coat can have on cognitive processes, these authors were able to demonstrate the influence this item of clothing can have on the emotions and behaviours of the wearer.…”