The phenomenon of embodied cognition, about which I have blogged before (links below), is a good reminder that much more is happening in a conflict than is readily apparent. Conditions such as temperature, weight of objects, and even cleanliness can effect how people respond to each other and to ideas.
Here is a very, very clever way to consider again some of the results of embodied cognition. Take a look at the Neuro-Art Gallery of Embodied Cognition (MindBluff_DOT_com). One of the examples:
Charles Manson, Mugshot
Needed is a bucket of cold water. Dip your hands in cold water to create a frigid zone of contempt. Cold sensations in the brain's sensory sphere influence our emotions accordingly. Chill out to Manson -- he's creepier when you're feeling cold.
Click to see the rest of the Gallery.
A couple of past posts on embodied cognition:
- "Mind over matter? How your body does your thinking": Another article about embodied cognition research
- We think with more than just our minds: Conflict reaches clear down to our toes
- Conflict: Is it all in your head?
On a related note, click to read this post Looking for a massage? by Dan Ariely. Excerpt:
Recent research shows how physical contact can promote trust, even among complete strangers.
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