Affect and Influence of Kinesics on Personal Development: The Effects of Non-verbal Communication on How We View Ourselves

Abstract

Kinesics is the study of body language and gestures as a vital component of non-verbal communication. This thesis addresses the connection between Kinesics and Affect, more specifically affect display and the ways in which humans present our innate biological feelings and motivations. There is a personal connection to this topic for me because of my upbringing, and the importance of non-verbal communication within my family. Through this, I learned that understanding affect display is a key part to comprehending our interpersonal relationships. Different factors, such as early developmental interactions, gender roles, and social media exposure have a large impact on the way humans perceive ourselves, and therefore present ourselves to the world. Using qualitative research methods, I have found that despite the impactful factors previously mentioned, being more intentional about how we adjust and present our bodies, can govern the way we view ourselves.