Closed Posture - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Claire Neeson

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Closed posture refers to a non-verbal communication stance where a person positions their body in a way that might suggest defensiveness, discomfort, or reluctance to engage with others. This typically involves actions such as crossing arms or legs, hunching shoulders, and turning the body slightly away from others. In the context of GCSE Psychology, understanding closed posture is important because it helps identify how body language can influence social interactions and perceptions. Recognising closed posture can be useful in interpreting others’ feelings and emotions, as well as becoming more aware of one’s own non-verbal signals.

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Claire Neeson

Reviewer: Claire Neeson

Expertise: Psychology Content Creator

Claire has been teaching for 34 years, in the UK and overseas. She has taught GCSE, A-level and IB Psychology which has been a lot of fun and extremely exhausting! Claire is now a freelance Psychology teacher and content creator, producing textbooks, revision notes and (hopefully) exciting and interactive teaching materials for use in the classroom and for exam prep. Her passion (apart from Psychology of course) is roller skating and when she is not working (or watching 'Coronation Street') she can be found busting some impressive moves on her local roller rink.

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