Nonverbals of Violence

This post explores the psychological mechanisms underlying violence, focusing on nonverbal cues and body language indicative of aggression.

Nonverbal Indicators of Imminent Violence: Intention Movements and Pre-Attack Indicators

Intention movements are actions that suggest an imminent aggressive act but are not yet completed. Examples include:

• A raised arm halted mid-air, indicating a potential strike (Ekman, 2003).

• Clawed hands with fingers spread, signalling readiness to attack (Morris, 1977).

• A backward step positioning for a kick (Navarro, 2008).

• Clenched fists, white knuckles, and gripping objects tightly as indicators of rising aggression (Givens, 2005).

  
  

A sudden transition from a flushed face to a pale complexion may suggest an imminent violent outburst. This change signifies a shift from an emotional response to a physiological fight-or-flight reaction (Sapolsky, 2004). Similarly, increased breathing rate, chest puffing, and a squared stance signal readiness for combat (Darwin, 1872).

Threatening Gestures and Dominance Displays

Certain gestures communicate aggression and dominance:

• Phallic displays, such as standing with legs apart, assert dominance (Pease & Pease, 2004).

• "Vacuum gestures," including fist-shaking, finger-wagging, and hand chopping, mimic aggressive actions without physical contact (Ekman & Friesen, 1969).

• Intense staring can be perceived as intimidating and is considered disrespectful in many cultures (Argyle, 1988).

These behaviours serve to intimidate opponents and deter physical confrontations. However, if reciprocated, they may escalate into violence.

Predatory Behaviour and Victim Selection

Predators often select their targets based on nonverbal cues. Research suggests that individuals who walk with confidence, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and make direct eye contact are less likely to be targeted (De Becker, 1997). Conversely, passive, inattentive walkers are more vulnerable. Walking with purpose, ensuring a strong arm swing, and acknowledging others reduce the likelihood of being perceived as an easy target (Grayson & Stein, 1981).

Inhibition of Violence and the Role of Distance

Threat signals are often designed to intimidate without resulting in physical violence. In modern contexts, weapons reduce the natural inhibitions against aggression by eliminating the immediate risk of retaliation (Grossman, 1995). Similarly, in law enforcement, officers must be attuned to both their own body language and the cues displayed by others. An officer’s stance, gestures, and tone can either de-escalate or exacerbate a volatile situation (Hall et al., 2016).

The Evolutionary Basis of Attack and Submission

Animals and humans share fundamental behavioural patterns related to aggression and submission. Dogs, for example, attack head-on but approach amicably from the side or rear (Bradshaw, 2011). In human interactions, a direct frontal approach by a male is often perceived as aggressive, whereas the same approach by a female may be interpreted by a man as an expression of sexual interest (Givens, 2005).

Theoretical Foundations of Violence

Einstein and Freud discussed the nature of human violence in their correspondence, with Einstein asserting that "man has in him the need to hate and destroy" (Einstein & Freud, 1933). Freud (1920) categorised instincts into two primary forces: those that seek to preserve and unite (Eros) and those that seek to destroy and kill (Thanatos). He argued that human life evolves from the interplay between these opposing instincts. These Freudian drives are interesting to consider when examining how aggression manifests nonverbally.

The Role of Intuition in Threat Detection

Intuition plays too critical a role in detecting potential threats. Often described as "gut feelings," intuitive responses guide decision-making without conscious reasoning (Gigerenzer, 2007). Small children exhibit strong intuitive abilities, possibly as an evolutionary defence mechanism (De Becker, 1997). In prehistoric times, intuition likely played a crucial role in survival by helping early humans assess threats in their environment. However, it’s challenging to differentiate between instinct and prejudice (Kahneman, 2011).

Conclusion

Understanding nonverbal cues associated with violence enhances situational awareness and personal safety. Recognising intention movements, dominance displays, and physiological responses enables individuals to anticipate and mitigate potential threats. By integrating insights from psychology, ethology, and neuroscience, we can refine our ability to interpret aggression and respond effectively.

Read my article on de-escalation.

References

Argyle, M. (1988). Bodily Communication (2nd ed.). Methuen.

Bradshaw, J. (2011). In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding. Penguin.

Darwin, C. (1872). The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. John Murray.

De Becker, G. (1997). The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence. Little, Brown and Company.

Ekman, P. (2003). Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life. Times Books.

Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1969). The Repertoire of Nonverbal Behavior: Categories, Origins, Usage, and Coding. Semiotica, 1(1), 49-98.

Einstein, A., & Freud, S. (1933). Why War? International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation.

Gigerenzer, G. (2007). Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious. Viking.

Givens, D. B. (2005). Love Signals: A Practical Field Guide to the Body Language of Courtship. St. Martin’s Press.

Grayson, B., & Stein, M. (1981). Attracting Assault: Victims' Nonverbal Cues. Journal of Communication, 31(1), 68-75.

Grossman, D. (1995). On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society. Back Bay Books.

Hall, J. A., Coats, E. J., & LeBeau, L. S. (2016). Nonverbal Behavior and Communication in the Workplace. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 3, 133-156.

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Morris, D. (1977). Manwatching: A Field Guide to Human Behaviour. Jonathan Cape.

Navarro, J. (2008). What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People. HarperCollins.

Pease, A., & Pease, B. (2004). The Definitive Book of Body Language. Orion.

Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. Henry Holt and Company.

Tinbergen, N. (1951). The Study of Instinct. Clarendon Press.