Research: Arms

Culiminating: Body Language

Research

Arms:

Happy/Pleased
-Preening is a sign of attraction
-Touching of the fingertips is a sign of confidence, this is also called "hand steepling" as it resemble the steeple of a church
-Hands in pocket, thumb sticking out; high confidence
-Hands interlocked, thumb sticking up; positive thoughts
-Open palms; submissiveness and truthfulness
-Rubbing nose while listening; thoughtfulness

Frightened/Anxiety
-Crossed arms may thus indicate anxiety which is either driven by a lack of trust in the other person or an internal discomfort and sense of vulnerability
-Withdrawal of the arms signals fear and unsettledness
-Restriction of arms movements indicate fear; often seen in victims of abuse
-Interlocking the fingers is a sign of stress or concern; especially hiding of the thumbs
-Hands in pocket with the thumbs hidden; low confidence
-Adjusting accessories; nervousness
-Cracking knuckles; comfort habit
-Rubbing hands together; anticipation
-Tugging of the ears; indecision

Anger/Rage
- When arms are crossed, they form a closed defensive shield, blocking out the outside world
-Both arms folded behind the back with a cluster of other signs make up the "regal stance", indicative of one who wishes others away
-Hands on the hips is a territorial sign; thumb placement is key, thumbs in the front is less authoritative
-Clenched fingers; hostility
-Pinching the nose bridge; negative evaluation
-Neck scratching; disbelief

Deception/ Lying
-Hiding the hands is indicative of suspicious behavior

-Touching the nose while speaking is a tell tale of lying