activity
Armscontext-dependent reliabilityobvious

Crossed Arms

Arms folded across the chest, creating a barrier.

DefensivenessDiscomfortDisagreementAnxiety

Visual Description

Both arms crossed over chest, hands may grip upper arms or be tucked.

Duration: sustainedVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

  • Rule out environmental factors
  • Note if arms tighten during conversation
  • Look for other defensive signals

Context Matters

  • Classic barrier signal
  • May simply be comfortable position
  • Cold temperature causes arm crossing
  • Can be self-soothing

Common Misinterpretations

  • Not always negative - may be comfort
  • Cold people cross arms
  • May be habitual

Cultural Variations

Westernsame

Often seen as defensive or closed

Globalneutral

Also a comfort position universally

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Defensiveness
Body Region
activityArms
Reliability
context-dependent
Duration

sustained

Visibility

obvious

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