Noticing someone fidgeting can be more than just a minor distraction; for many, it can be intensely vexing or even excruciating. This reaction is part of a psychological phenomenon known as misokinesia, or ‘hatred of movements.’
WHAT IS MISOKINESIA?
Misokinesia refers to a strong emotional response to seeing someone else’s repetitive, small movements, such as fidgeting. This phenomenon, though recently gaining attention, has been noted in relation to another condition called misophonia—where repetitive sounds trigger irritation.
While misokinesia is visually triggered, misophonia involves auditory stimuli. Both conditions share a common element: the irritation caused by repetitive, seemingly minor stimuli. However, misokinesia focuses on visual triggers rather than sound.
THE RESEARCH BEHIND MISOKINESIA
Initial Studies and Findings
Research into misokinesia was limited until recent years. A pioneering study led by psychologist Sumeet Jaswal from the University of British Columbia (UBC) explored this phenomenon in depth. The study, conducted in 2021, aimed to understand the prevalence and impact of misokinesia.
Study Methods and Results
The research involved over 4,100 participants, including university students and general population members. The findings revealed that approximately one-third of individuals reported some degree of sensitivity to others’ fidgeting behaviours.
“We found that misokinesia sensitivity is not confined to clinical populations but is a widespread issue affecting many people,” Jaswal explained.
Misokinesia can lead to significant emotional distress, including feelings of anger, anxiety, and frustration. It may also reduce enjoyment in social situations and impact social activities.
UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES
Visual Attentional Sensitivity
Initial tests explored whether misokinesia could be linked to heightened visual attentional sensitivity. The results were inconclusive, indicating that further research is needed to understand the cognitive mechanisms behind misokinesia.
ROLE OF MIRROR NEURONS
One hypothesis is that mirror neurons, which activate both when we move and when we observe others moving, might be involved. These neurons could cause individuals with misokinesia to empathize with the fidgeting behaviour, thereby amplifying their own anxiety or stress.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH
Potential Studies
Future research could focus on exploring the role of mirror neurons in misokinesia. This could involve examining how empathy and visual stimuli interplay in individuals who experience significant discomfort from observing fidgeting.
Understanding Variability
The variability in sensitivity among individuals suggests that misokinesia may be influenced by personal psychological factors. Understanding these individual differences could be key to addressing the condition effectively.
Misokinesia is a more common phenomenon than previously understood, affecting a significant portion of the population. For those who experience it, the distress caused by observing fidgeting is a real and challenging issue. As research continues, it will be crucial to further investigate the cognitive and neural mechanisms involved to provide better support and understanding.
The findings were published in Scientific Reports, highlighting the need for increased awareness and further study of this intriguing psychological phenomenon.
