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Handsmoderate reliabilityobvious

Fidgeting/Restless Hands

Repetitive small movements with hands or fingers.

AnxietyBoredomStressDiscomfort

Visual Description

Tapping, picking, touching objects, adjusting clothing repeatedly.

Duration: variableVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

  • Establish baseline fidget level
  • Note increase with topics
  • Direction of movement matters

Context Matters

  • •Release of nervous energy
  • •May indicate boredom
  • •ADHD can cause fidgeting
  • •Increase often signals discomfort

Common Misinterpretations

  • ⚠May be ADHD-related
  • ⚠Boredom vs anxiety look similar
  • ⚠Can be habitual

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Anxiety
Body Region
✋Hands
Reliability
moderate
Duration

variable

Visibility

obvious

Related Cues

Foot Tapping/Bouncing
Eye Contact Avoidance

Associated Emotions

AnxietyRestlessnessImpatience

Related Temporal States

Acute Stress Response
Rumination Cycle
Anxiety Spiral