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🦷

Jawhigh reliabilitysubtle

Jaw Clenching

Tightening of the jaw muscles, visible as tension or bulging at the jaw angle.

StressAngerDeterminationAnxiety

Visual Description

Masseter muscles visibly tense, jaw appears set, teeth may be clenched.

Duration: sustainedVisibility: subtle

How to Observe

Look for muscle bulge at jaw angle
Note teeth grinding sounds
Often accompanies other tension signs

Context Matters

•Clear indicator of tension/stress
•Common when suppressing anger
•Can become habitual (bruxism)
•May indicate determination

Common Misinterpretations

⚠May be habitual, not situational
⚠Can indicate concentration
⚠Physical conditions can cause it

Quick Info

Primary Signal

Stress

Body Region

🦷Jaw

Reliability

high

Duration

sustained

Visibility

subtle

Related Cues

Lip Tightening/Compression

Associated Emotions

Related Temporal States

Acute Stress Response

Rumination Cycle