Hand Movements

Abstract

A revision of our theoretically based classification of nonverbal behavior is presented, as it relates to the interpretation and measurement of hand movements. On the basis of the origins, usage and coding of the behavior distinctions are drawn and hypotheses offered about three classes of behavior: emblems, illustrators and adaptors. Findings from our own cross-cultural studies, our studies of psychiatric patients, and our studies of deceptive interactions, together with research by Kumin and Lazar, and a study by Harrison and Cohen are summarized to demonstrate the utility of this classification of hand movements. The differences between our formulation and those proposed by Freedman and Hoffman, Mahl, and Rosenfeld are discussed.