The Criticism

Pushback came swiftly. Replication studies failed to reproduce the hormone changes — and the behavioral effects, including the extra risk-taking in the gambling task, did not hold up either. Statistical methods were questioned, and lead author Dana Carney publicly distanced herself from the findings.

People respond to posture, but no stance proves confidence. The reliable takeaway is simpler: upright, relaxed posture usually supports breath, voice, and presence.