Atavistic cognition, or enclothed cognition, explains why we all have that favorite uniform that boosts our mood and enhances our performance. Have you heard of this concept before? It comes from a 2012 study that demonstrated how the physical experience of wearing certain garments affects us psychologically.
This discovery broadly impacts sectors that require specific attire, including healthcare. Employers can consider that the uniforms and gear provided to their employees directly affect their feelings and even their performance at work.
For healthcare professionals, whose working hours can unexpectedly extend, wearing clothing that supports them emotionally and physically can make a significant difference.
Let's delve into what atavistic cognition is and how we can apply this knowledge to improve the experience of healthcare staff.
The Study with Medical Coats by Galinsky and Adam
Adam D. Galinsky and Hajo Adam from Northwestern University in Illinois, USA, consolidated research on the psychological influence of clothing in 2012. They interviewed several students with an average age of 20, focusing their main hypothesis on changes in cognitive performance when wearing white coats, described as medical coats.
Through three experiments, the students performed various mentally challenging activities, such as the Stroop test, while wearing casual clothing, white coats described as medical, white coats described as painter's coats, and finally, having the coats visible but not worn. Each experiment focused on aspects like the symbolic impact of the white coats just by looking at them and improved performance during tasks when wearing or not wearing the coats.
They concluded that wearing white coats defined as medical had a psychological and emotional impact, reflected in improved performance, associated with the positive perception of the garment.
The study has been referenced by publications such as The New York Times, Scientific American, and The Atlantic, analyzing the results and their relevance to various segments of the fashion industry.
The Psychological Impact of Medical Clothing
We all know the impact our clothing has on how others perceive us, but little has been discussed about its effect on our emotions and behavior. Atavistic cognition provides a clear explanation for why we prefer certain medical uniforms over others and why some never leave the closet while others are worn out from constant use.
We may positively associate clothing with our favorite colors, more elegant cuts, and sizes that fit our bodies perfectly. This is why we prefer certain garments that help us more in the work environment. Other uniforms may provide us with more security, such as fluid-resistant uniforms, which is why we favor them.
Other studies have also shown that uniforms specifically influence emotions and productivity at work. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the medical clothing we choose and demand high-quality materials and designs from manufacturers and distributors.
Increased Productivity Due to Proper Uniforms
The Galinsky and Adam study also confirms that garments we associate positively impact our attention and performance in cognitive activities. Since healthcare professionals remain physically active at work, this factor linking their medical uniforms to better performance can guide them to choose better attire.
One element that can affect the experience of healthcare staff is purchasing custom sizes instead of generic ones, ensuring that the clothing allows for better physical performance. Thus, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can connect positively with their garments when they are more comfortable and tailored to their bodies, increasing productivity.
As the study shows, considering atavistic cognition when deciding which medical clothing to acquire has positive outcomes. This is even more relevant for those who wear uniforms, as this personal protective equipment is a key part of their daily work.
To continue discovering the positive impacts of quality medical clothing for healthcare staff, visit our blog section here.
