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Effect of Expresser Role and Type of Self‐Touching on Observers' Perceptions 1
Author(s) -
Harrigan Jinni A.,
Lucic Karen S.,
Kay Denise,
McLaney Anne,
Rosenthal Robert
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.1991.tb00538.x
Subject(s) - psychology , social psychology , perception , nonverbal communication , anxiety , developmental psychology , psychiatry , neuroscience
The effect of a nonverbal behavior frequently displayed during social interaction, self‐touching, was analyzed with respect to body location, other nonverbal behaviors, and expressers' role. In Study 1, hypotheses about role (job applicant, medical patient, friend, stranger) and levels of anxiety and familiarity were substantiated. In Study 2, subjects rated females who displayed several types of self‐touching (to nose, arm, hand) singly, or in combination with head nodding or leg recrossing, representing the four roles in Study 1. Hypotheses based on types of self‐touching and role were supported by linear contrasts; for example, hand rubbing by job applicant and patient, who were expected to experience some anxiety, was judged as more acceptable than for friend or stranger. Discrete self‐touching (nose) was evaluated as more expressive and warm than unpatterned self‐touching (hand, arm) for friend and stranger. Control scenes (no movement) were rated as more calm and dominant, but less expressive, warm, and interested.