Question
Question 18 When you are looking at the messages sent by body language, arms crossed on the chest can be interpreted as meaning that the person is feeling relaxed. False True
Solution
4.1
(232 Votes)
Chloe
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
False
Explanation
Body language is a critical part of communication, and it can be as expressive—if not more than—spoken language. Generally, when someone crosses their arms over their chest, it is interpreted not as a sign of relaxation but as a defensive or closed off posture. They might feel vulnerable, defensive, or hostile. They could also be uninterested or uncomfortable, or simply feeling cold. However, arm-crossing can be idiosyncratic, and cultural context also plays a large role in how we interpret nonverbal signals. Still, in a general context and majority interpretation of body language signals, crossed arms usually indicate a form of defensive mechanism, not relaxation.