What does it mean to look away when speaking, according to psychology?

Looking away during a conversation can carry different meanings, and psychology shows there's no single answer. Psychologists Cibele Santos and Fernanda Angelini explain to Metrópoles that this behavior should be interpreted with caution and always within a broader context.

According to Cibele, looking away can indeed indicate insecurity or shyness . People with low self-confidence or who are afraid of social interactions tend to avoid eye contact as a way to feel more protected. This same gesture can also occur in situations where the individual wants to hide something, such as when lying. "However, this isn't a rule. Some people lie while maintaining eye contact normally," warns the psychologist.

Cultural aspects or personal traits

Averted gaze can also reflect cultural aspects or personal traits. According to Cibele, in some cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect, while in others, it can be seen as insincerity. She also notes that this behavior can be linked to specific conditions, such as social anxiety disorder or autism spectrum disorder, in which maintaining eye contact can be challenging.

During therapy sessions, psychologists observe averted gaze as a possible sign of discomfort or resistance to the topic being discussed. "It's a behavior that needs to be analyzed alongside other factors, such as body posture and tone of voice," emphasizes Cibele Santos. The context of the conversation, the patient's history, and the emotional intensity of the moment are also decisive factors in interpreting the gesture.

Lack of scientific evidence

Fernanda Angelini points out the lack of any scientific evidence directly linking averted gaze to malice or lying . "It could mean a multitude of things, including being a common trait in neurodivergent people , such as those on the autism spectrum," she states. For her, hasty judgment can reinforce stigmas and even create unnecessary tension.

Angelini also raises an important point: attempting to interpret microexpressions or avoiding averting one's gaze at all costs can actually reveal insecurity or a need for control on the part of the person conducting the analysis. "Surrounding the other person's smallest gestures can indicate an internal discomfort, more than any behavior on the part of the interlocutor."

Amidst insecurities, cultural constructs, and behavioral patterns, looking away remains a gesture that, according to experts, should not be interpreted in isolation. Contrary to what is often propagated in simplistic discourse, a glance away can carry much more nuance than one might imagine.