Embodiment of sadness and depression--gait patterns associated with dysphoric mood.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze gait patterns associated with sadness and depression. Embodiment theories suggest a reciprocal relationship between bodily expression and the way in which emotions are processed.


METHODS
In Study 1, the gait patterns of 14 inpatients suffering from major depression were compared with those of matched never-depressed participants. In Study 2, we employed musical mood induction to induce sad and positive mood in a sample of 23 undergraduates. A Fourier-based description of walking data served as the basis for the computation of linear classifiers and for the analysis of gait parameters.


RESULTS
Gait patterns associated with sadness and depression are characterized by reduced walking speed, arm swing, and vertical head movements. Moreover, depressed and sad walkers displayed larger lateral swaying movements of the upper body and a more slumped posture.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study indicate that a specific gait pattern characterizes individuals in dysphoric mood.
Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany. Johannes.Michalak@rub.de
Johannes
J
Michalak
Nikolaus F
NF
Troje
Julia
J
Fischer
Patrick
P
Vollmar
Thomas
T
Heidenreich
Dietmar
D
Schulte
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007697:Kinesics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014741:Video Recording; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*