The Role of Posture in the Formation of Social Relationships

In this chapter we introduce the specific nonverbal channel of posture and describe how it functions in the creation of ongoing relationships at the choice, beginning, deepening, and ending phases of interaction. We suggest that posture has been largely overlooked as a contributor to relationship outcomes and provide evidence to support our claim. Because of its importance to the initiation and deepening of relationships, programs to help individuals gain skill in the communication of this nonverbal channel are needed, and one possible option is described in some depth. Continued research is necessary to accurately assess postural skill and how to improve it in children and adults.