Embodiment of Sadness and Depression—Gait Patterns Associated With Dysphoric Mood

2009/05/05 by Johannes Michalak, Nikolaus F. Troje, Julia Fischer +3 · 465 citations
Medicine · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Action Observation and Synchronization #Affect (linguistics) #Anger #Clinical psychology #Communication #Depression (economics) #Gait #Medicine #Mood #Music Therapy and Health #Neuroscience and Music Perception #Physical medicine and rehabilitation #Psychology #Sadness

paper · doi:10.1097/psy.0b013e3181a2515c

published in Psychosomatic Medicine 71(5), 580-587 (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

openalex publication_date 2009/05/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

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. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that a specific gait pattern characterizes individuals in dysphoric mood. ANCOVA = analysis of covariance; BDI = Beck Depression Inventory; DSM = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; MANOVA = multivariate analysis of variance; MDD = major depressive disorder; SCID = Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; SNRI = serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors; SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

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