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activity

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

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

Quick Info

Primary Signal

Anxiety

Body Region

activityArms

Reliability

high

Duration

sustained

Visibility

obvious

Related Cues

Hunched/Raised Shoulders

Self-Touching/Pacifying

Opposite Signals

Open Arms/Exposed Torso

Expanded/Power Posture

Associated Emotions

Related Temporal States

Acute Stress Response

Rumination Cycle

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