How the body moves, especially during escalation speaks volumes. These kinesics break out into four specific areas; emblems, illustrators, regulators and adaptors. It should be noted that none of these are mutually exclusive. An emblem, like a raised hand can also be an illustrator showing that the subject has a question.
Emblems are culturally derived and tie back to specific meaning. Chances are you've both given and received the most prolific emblem - the bird - perhaps the only emblem in American culture that can indicate escalation or simply just how we're feeling at the time.
Illustrators are visual descriptors that support the narrative. The more exaggerated the illustrator, the more escalated the subject. Good idea to check against a baseline if possible.
Regulators control the flow of verbal information. Some are known as turn cues like an open hand, palm up pointing towards the subject indicating, go ahead and talk. An open hand, palm out like a stop illustrator means stop talking. A pointing finger says shut up, I'm not done talking. The eyes are also powerful regulators.
Adaptors evolved from signs and movement that couldn't be categorized in emblems, illustrators and regulators. Typically they are movements derived to take care of a pressing need like an itch or to cover your mouth during a yawn or coughing, but combined with escalation, adaptors can mean so much more. Face touching, scratching can indicate the side-effects of a charge endocrine system. An adrenaline side effect is that it makes the face and neck itch. So, a subject who begins to scratch about these areas may be manifesting escalating anxiety.
Adaptors evolved from signs and movement that couldn't be categorized in emblems, illustrators and regulators. Typically they are movements derived to take care of a pressing need like an itch or to cover your mouth during a yawn or coughing, but combined with escalation, adaptors can mean so much more. Face touching, scratching can indicate the side-effects of a charge endocrine system. An adrenaline side effect is that it makes the face and neck itch. So, a subject who begins to scratch about these areas may be manifesting escalating anxiety.
Rubbing the neck and behind the ears is a self-calming mechanism, as is rubbing the back of the hand or the thumbs specifically. This is an area that stimulates serotonin when touched, effectively resulting in a calming feeling. If the subject is engaged this way, it's for a reason- to calm themselves down. But neck rubbing can also indicate a protection of the nape, a pre-attack behavior accompanied by a forward tilting head lowering the eyes. Additionally, third eye blocking is problematic (rubbing of the forehead) and can be indicative of impending outburst or attack. Best to retreat and allow space.
