Personality expression in body motion dynamics: An enactive, embodied, and complex systems perspective

Abstract

We studied body motion dynamics and personality differences using complex systems methods. 105 adults (aged 18–33, 70% women) completed a 15-minute laboratory task covering three self-referencing topics (self-introduction, bodily perception/sensory life, socio-emotional life). Body motion dynamics were extracted from videos using a frame-by-frame differentiation method. Recurrence Quantification Analysis derived the measures of Determinism, Entropy, Laminarity, and Mean-Line. Multilevel models estimated personality (IPIP-NEO-120) and situational effects. Neuroticism predicted lower determinism and fluctuating dynamics in bodily perception and socioemotional life; less complexity and stability during socioemotional topics, and increased negative affect. Extraversion predicted regular/deterministic dynamics during bodily perception. Conscientiousness predicted lower determinism and increased variability. Agreeableness predicted lower post-task negative affect. Findings are discussed within embodied, enactive, complex systems, and personality frameworks.