[Part 3] Why do people unconsciously exhibit 'self-protective behavior'?

Hello everyone!
I am your behavioral psychologist.

Part 1

We have seen that when people face shocks or unexpected events, their 'self-protective reactions' appear before they address the 'facts'.

Part 2

In the narrative

• the explanation suddenly becomes organized

• the speech suddenly becomes smooth

• the level of detail suddenly increases

We confirmed that there are moments when these changes occur.

In other words, we have reached the point wherea sense of discomfort is not born suddenly, but emerges within the flow of conversation.

And now, in Part 3, we will organize how to understand that sense of discomfort.

⚠️Caution⚠️

The gestures introduced here are not 'definitive proof of lying,' but rather examples of signs that may reveal one's true feelings.

Psychologist Paul Ekman's research suggests that basic facial expressions—anger, joy, sadness, fear, surprise, and disgust—are universally recognized across cultures.

In other words, 'facial expressions and gestures are universal human clues.'

Symbolically speaking, it can be expressed as 'the truth is etched on everyone's face.'

However, please remember that the goal is not to 'suspect the other person,' but to understand them and provide 'hospitality' that leads to better communication, and above all, sincerity is what matters most.

1. The true nature of the 'sudden changes' seen in Part 2

As seen in Part 2,

• the explanation suddenly becomes skillful

• Suddenly becoming articulate

• Suddenly increasing gestures

These kinds of changes.

These are not just changes in how one speaks, but are phenomena that tend to occur at the moment a person is mentally reorganizing the situation in their head.

In other words, it is the moment when one switches from a state of naturally recalling and speaking to a state of thinking about 'how to explain it'.

This is where the mode of speaking changes.

2. People unconsciously try to protect themselves

The reason this switch occurs is simple,

because people instinctively feel that they

• do not want their evaluation to drop

• do not want to be blamed

• do not want to be misunderstood

as a result.

And at this moment, small changes occur in the rhythm of the body, voice, and words.

3. The sense of discomfort lies in the 'flow', not the 'point'

This is the core of this topic.

• Crossed arms.

• Looked away.

Nothing can be judged from such isolated gestures.

What is important is,

(1) The topic changes
(2) The body changes
(3) The way of speaking changes

This is a change within this flow.

A sense of discomfort is born within this sequence.

4. Understand behavior as a 'line'

The basis of behavioral analysis is to view behavior as a 'line' rather than a 'point'.

Only by observing this flow can you see the 'moment the heart moved'.

5. What changes when you understand this much

Once you understand this far,

discomfort

becomes visible as such.

This is not about lie detection, but a perspective for understanding the other person.

Application

Daily life

👉 Observe physical changes at the moment the topic changes

Work

👉 Observe situations where explanations suddenly become too polished

Partner

👉 Observe moments when their way of speaking becomes performative

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By now, the flow of how discomfort arises has become clear.

However,

• which changes should be prioritized?

• which reactions can be ignored?

• what are the ways to prevent misreading?

There is an even more important organization to be made here.

In the next part, Part 4, we will connect the dots we have covered so far and organize them into a form that can actually be used.

Sources

Ekman, P. (2003). Emotions Revealed.
Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1978). Facial Action Coding System.
Navarro, J. (2008). What Every BODY Is Saying.
Morris, D. (1977). Manwatching.

Finally

Thank you for reading this far!
Your 'likes' and follows are a great encouragement.
If you found this even slightly 'useful' or 'interesting,' please be sure to 'like' and follow.🙇‍♂️

Magazine

Here are the magazines I have participated in!
I am truly grateful, and I look forward to continuing this connection!🙇

Also, this article was featured, so please take a look and read it.🙇

Here are others as well!

The 'I remember...' series is a five-part work, so if you like, I think it will be easier to understand if you read it from the beginning.

This is also recommended!

Please check this out too!

For those who want to deepen their understanding of reading gestures, learn through diagrams, and study responses by case, please see the paid articles👇

*Recommended for those who want to correctly understand gestures and engage in dialogue that utilizes 'hospitality' and 'sincerity' while reducing misunderstandings.

Also, everyone, please take care of your health and well-being.

See you later!!!