Authoritarianism in the Conversation of Gestures

Abstract

Current studies of attitudes have relied upon written responses and the most obvious form of communication, the verbal. This study explores the nature of authoritarianism as expressed through body and head positions in interaction. Measures of role embracement were developed and evaluated. High authoritarians were found to be more rigid across situations than low authoritarians and to embrace the leadership role more often when subordinated than did low authoritarians.