🤲
Armshigh reliabilityobvious

Self-Hug/Self-Embrace

Wrapping arms around oneself, hugging own body.

AnxietyStressDiscomfortFear

Visual Description

Arms wrap around torso, hands grip opposite arms or shoulders.

Duration: sustainedVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

  • Note timing relative to conversation
  • Intensity correlates with distress level
  • May indicate need for support

Context Matters

  • •Self-soothing behavior
  • •Indicates desire for comfort
  • •More common in women
  • •May accompany distressing content

Common Misinterpretations

  • âš May be cold
  • âš Can be habitual comfort position
  • âš Not always active distress

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Anxiety
Body Region
🤲Arms
Reliability
high
Duration

sustained

Visibility

obvious

Associated Emotions