Cultural Variations in Eye Contact
- Direct eye contact is a culturally variable nonverbal behavior that is not universally viewed as attentive or respectful.
- Averting the gaze is common among Asian, Native North American, Indochinese, Arab, and Appalachian individuals, who may interpret direct eye contact as impolite or aggressive.
Specific Cultural Nonverbal Behaviors
- Native North Americans: Staring at the floor during conversation is a culturally appropriate behavior indicating that the listener is paying close attention.
- African Americans: Oculistics (eye rolling) may be utilized in response to a question perceived as inappropriate.
- Hispanic Clients: Downcast eyes signify respect and deference based on age, sex, social position, economic status, and position of authority (e.g., elders, adults, men, teachers, and employers).
- Nurse-Client Dynamics: Hispanic clients may expect the nurse to maintain eye contact without reciprocating the behavior themselves.