2024-12-06 07:03:00
Looking away during a conversation is a gesture that can have different psychological interpretations, depending on the context and the relationship between the peopel involved. It can frequently enough mean something as simple as feeling uncomfortable, nervous, or distracted, but there might potentially be other hidden psychological factors that can as well go unnoticed ‘with the naked eye’.
Since interpretations may vary and the underlying reason may be based on different circumstances, we have consulted the psychologist Lara Ferreirowhich analyzes the possible causes and their emotional consequences.
Some causes that make you look away
Not making eye contact can show discomfort with the topic of conversation.
As the psychologist explains, “people who feel uncomfortable in a social interaction tend to look away to reduce anxiety. This phenomenon is observed more in interactions with strangers or in situations of high emotional stress”.
Not surprisingly, some people associate looking away with a possible lack of sincerity and even guilt. “They say so the eyes are the mirror of the souland many people are capable of discovering an entire inner world in others simply by observing their gaze.”
According to a study published in Journal of Behavioral Research and TherapyLooking away is a common behaviour in people with high sensitivity to shame.85% of participants who felt guilt or shame tended to reduce eye contact in conversations about topics they considered personal or uncomfortable.
Another possible cause of this gesture that might potentially be considered rude is that it helps some people focus better on what they are going to say or how they intend to respond. “Some psychologists point out that looking from the side allows people to access different memory systems, a phenomenon known in psychology as ocular laterality. “Looking to the left may be associated with remembering past events, while looking to the right may be associated with building new ideas.”
Hidden psychological factors related to looking away during a conversation
Social phobia is a disorder that goes far beyond simple shyness.
Looking at other deeper causes, the expert underlines that “looking away can be a mechanism of emotional self-protection in situations that make us feel vulnerable or courts. “People who suffer from social anxiety,such as,may avoid eye contact to protect themselves from feeling evaluated or judged.”
it could also be “an unconscious strategy to reduce the emotional intensity of a difficult conversation. Looking away allows us to distance yourself from emotions that are being tested. We can also look away indicating that we are no longer interested in continuing the conversation.”
Some people do this” to try to control the impression they are making. Avoiding prolonged eye contact can decrease the chance of an unwanted emotional reaction, such as blushing or blushing. Those who tend to worry a lot about your self-image They look away to think internally before responding, which helps them maintain composure,” adds Ferreiro.
The role of cultural differences in our gestures
<img loading="lazy" width="640" alt="Eye contact says a lot about our feelings." height="415
Cultural norms play an critically important role in how we interpret eye contact.In cultures such as Asia, direct eye contact may be prolonged perceived as disrespectful or aggressivetherefore looking away is considered a sign of respect.
In Western cultures,lack of eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of insecurity or disinterestwhich adds an additional level of complexity to the interpretation of this gesture. Thus, interestingly, “looking away can also be a sign of attraction. When someone is attracted, they may make eye contact, but then look away as a subconscious attempt to hide their feelings.”
This is how we behave when faced with an uncomfortable conversation
Psychologist Lara Ferreiro talks about emotional disconnection, another of the causes of a gesture such as looking away during a conversation: “It might very well be a way to disconnect emotionallyespecially when the topic is sensitive. “This behavior may indicate that the person is feeling emotionally overwhelmed and needs to disconnect to deal with their feelings.”
Therefore, and with so many aspects, the act of looking away is much more complex than it may seem and its meaning and consequences will vary depending on the context or emotional state of the person.”The important thing is this we do not give prejudice to a person who has looked away from us while we talk to us, because the most normal thing is for him to be shy and we impose a certain respect on him,” says Ferreiro.
and he concludes: “If we notice that this averted gaze is not usual in the person we are talking to, it could indicate something more serious and hidden, and we should pay more attention.” non-verbal language and to our intuition of what might happen.
news.
How can someone improve their ability to maintain eye contact in social situations?
interview Transcript
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, lara.As a psychologist,you’ve explored the various interpretations behind the simple act of looking away during conversations. This is such an intriguing topic! To start off,what are some of the common reasons why people might avoid eye contact?
Lara Ferreiro: Thank you for having me! There are several reasons a person might look away,and context really matters. Frequently enough,it can be as simple as feeling uncomfortable,nervous,or distracted. For example, individuals in social situations, especially with strangers or in high-stress environments, may look away to reduce their anxiety.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense! However, you also mention that looking away can sometimes convey deeper emotional consequences. Can you elaborate on that?
Lara Ferreiro: Absolutely. Manny people associate a lack of eye contact with dishonesty or guilt. The saying “the eyes are the mirrors of the soul” reflects the idea that we can read a lot from someone’s gaze. Interestingly, a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Research and Therapy found that around 85% of participants who experienced feelings of guilt or shame tended to avoid eye contact during discussions of personal or uncomfortable topics.
Time.news Editor: That’s engaging! So,it’s not just about the surface level discomfort. You also mention something called “ocular laterality.” Can you explain that concept and how it relates to looking away?
Lara Ferreiro: yes! Ocular laterality refers to how looking in different directions can access various memory systems. For instance, looking to the left might be linked with recalling past events, while gazing to the right could be associated with generating new ideas.This suggests that for some individuals, looking away actually aids concentration and thought processing, which can temporarily come across as disengagement.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the act of looking away has both emotional and cognitive implications. Are there hidden psychological factors we should be aware of?
Lara Ferreiro: Certainly. For some people, avoiding eye contact can be a coping mechanism for emotional self-protection.This might be seen in individuals who experience social anxiety or phobias; their discomfort in social settings can lead to avoidance behaviors. Looking away becomes a way to manage those overwhelming feelings.
Time.news Editor: That paints a extensive picture of the phenomena. What advice would you give to someone who struggles with making eye contact?
Lara Ferreiro: One effective approach is gradual exposure. Start by practicing eye contact in low-pressure situations, such as with friends or family. Mindfulness techniques can also be beneficial, encouraging individuals to focus on the moment rather then their anxiety about being judged. Additionally, remembering that many people experience similar discomfort can be comforting—it promotes a sense of shared humanity in social situations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Lara! Your insights have surely shed light on the complexities behind looking away during conversations. It’s interesting how much can be conveyed through non-verbal cues!
Lara Ferreiro: Thank you for having me! I hope this conversation helps people understand and navigate social interactions more thoughtfully.
