Monday morning, train station, the doors open – and the crowd immediately seems to split into two camps. Some rush purposefully across the platform, others walk slowly as if they have all the time in the world. Such situations often cause mutual eye-rolling and misunderstanding.
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However, behind this everyday scene lies more than just hurry or calmness, says Canadian psychologist Christal Castagnozzi. She explained to the portal “Upworthy” how walking speed can be related to key personality traits.
Seven traits of fast walkers
According to Castagnozzi, people who walk fast may be more honest and conscientious.
“People for whom this trait is strong tend to plan their time well and act purposefully. Research shows that fast walkers generally demonstrate goal-oriented behavior, which is one of the signs of this trait,” said the psychologist.
Overall, she associates fast walking with seven traits:
honesty and conscientiousness;
extraversion;
emotional stability;
openness to new experiences;
agreeableness;
persistence;
ambition.
According to Castagnozzi, there is a fairly strong scientific basis to support the first three points.
“Research shows that extraverted people generally move more and exhibit more energetic body language. A faster walking pace fits with this, as it reflects a greater need for activity,” she explained.
Large-scale studies also show that emotionally stable people tend to walk faster. According to the psychologist, this may be because emotionally stable people spend less energy on anxious rumination and therefore move more easily.
Not all connections are so clear
However, some claims should be viewed more cautiously. Castagnozzi herself admits that openness to new experiences is associated with imagination, curiosity, and a desire to discover, but has no direct connection to walking speed. It may rather be that curiosity and enthusiasm encourage a person to move faster.
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Similarly with agreeableness: this is more about the ability to adapt to the walking pace of others rather than a generally faster pace.
Gait – an emotional barometer
Business psychologist and facial expression expert Joern Kettler also writes about what walking speed can tell us about our inner state.
“Joy, anger, or fear make us walk faster. Sadness, boredom, or fatigue slow us down,” he says.
According to Kettler, not only walking speed tells about a person. Three other factors are important:
step length;
arm swings;
foot “weight”.
For example, pride and anger can be reflected in long, energetic steps, while sadness in short and dragging ones. A good mood allows the arms to move freely with the step, while exhaustion makes them hang heavily.
The difference, according to Kettler, can even be heard: “Anger stomps. Joy bounces.”
His conclusion is simple: “In short, gait is an emotional barometer.”
Moreover, this effect works both ways. Kettler relies on studies showing that consciously walking more energetically can improve mood. So if you feel weak in the morning but still start walking more firmly and lively, it can help not only to look better to others but also to slightly lift your spirits.
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