From a recent study, people who sat
in hard chairs were more likely to maintain a hard line in
negotiations and were less receptive to their partner's way of
thinking.
In a series of studies, scientists found that they could easily
manipulate people's feelings and perceptions based on nothing more
than what the subjects were touching. Holding heavier objects, for
instance, made men think more seriously about things, which in turn
made them more likely to donate money to charity if asked. Men
holding lighter objects were less likely to donate to charitable
causes. People handling rough objects were more likely to see
neutral social situations in a bad light, saying that other people
were obviously in a bad mood.