That person tapping their pen in a meeting. The leg bouncing incessantly on the subway. For some, these seemingly innocuous behaviors aren’t just distracting; they’re intensely irritating. This phenomenon, known as misokinesia, affects a surprising number of Americans, perhaps impacting their social lives, work performance, and overall well-being.

Why do these small, repetitive movements trigger such strong reactions? According to research, approximately one in three people experiences some degree of sensitivity to others’ fidgeting.

“[Misokinesia] is defined as a strong negative affective or emotional response to the sight of someone else’s small and repetitive movements, such as seeing someone mindlessly fidgeting with a hand or foot,”
Sumeet jaswal, University of British Columbia (2021)

While the term might be new to many, the experiance isn’t. A 2021 study led by psychologist Sumeet Jaswal at the University of British Columbia (UBC) shed light on this “under-recognized social challenge.” The researchers conducted a series of experiments with over 4,100 participants, assessing the prevalence, impact, and potential causes of misokinesia. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that a significant portion of the population grapples with this sensitivity.

The experience of misokinesia varies. Some individuals report mild annoyance, while others experience intense anger, anxiety, or frustration. These heightened emotional responses can lead to reduced enjoyment in social situations, hinder performance in work and learning environments, and even prompt some to avoid social activities altogether.

“They are negatively impacted emotionally and experience reactions such as anger, anxiety, or frustration as well as reduced enjoyment in social situations, work, and learning environments,”
Todd Handy, UBC Psychologist

For example, consider the open-plan office surroundings, a staple in many U.S. companies. While designed to foster collaboration, these spaces can be a minefield for individuals with misokinesia. The constant visual stimuli of colleagues fidgeting can create a persistent state of unease and hinder concentration, impacting productivity and job satisfaction.

The Science Behind the Sensitivity

researchers are still working to understand the underlying mechanisms of misokinesia. Early investigations explored whether heightened visual attention played a role, suggesting that individuals with misokinesia might be less able to filter out distracting visual stimuli. However, initial findings were inconclusive.

One promising avenue of exploration involves mirror neurons, which activate both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing that action.

“One possibility we want to explore is that their ‘mirror neurons’ are at play,”
Sumeet Jaswal, UBC

Mirror neurons could explain why seeing someone fidget triggers a negative emotional response in individuals with misokinesia. Its hypothesized that they might unconsciously empathize with the underlying anxiety or nervousness causing the fidgeting, leading to a mirroring of those feelings.

“A reason that people fidget is because they’re anxious or nervous so when individuals who suffer from misokinesia see someone fidgeting, they may mirror it and feel anxious or nervous as well,”
Sumeet Jaswal, UBC

This mirroring effect could be particularly relevant in today’s high-stress environment.With increasing pressures in the workplace and at home, anxiety levels are rising, potentially leading to more fidgeting and, consequently, more triggers for individuals with misokinesia.

Misokinesia vs. misophonia: What’s the Difference?

Misokinesia is often compared to misophonia, a condition characterized by sensitivity to specific sounds.While both involve aversive reactions to external stimuli, they differ in their triggers. Misokinesia is specifically triggered by visual stimuli (fidgeting), while misophonia is triggered by auditory stimuli (e.g., chewing, sniffing). However,the analysis from the 2021 study showed that they can sometimes occur together.

Coping Strategies and Management

While there’s no known “cure” for misokinesia, several coping strategies can help manage its impact:

• Awareness and Dialogue: Openly communicate your sensitivity to fidgeting with friends, family, and colleagues.This awareness can lead to more considerate behavior and a more understanding environment.
• Environmental Modifications: In situations where fidgeting is likely (e.g., meetings, classrooms), strategically position yourself to minimize visual exposure. For example, sit at the front of the room or focus on a fixed point.
• mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques like deep breathing to manage the anxiety and frustration triggered by fidgeting.
• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals develop coping mechanisms and reframe their negative thoughts and emotional responses to fidgeting.

The rise of remote work options in many U.S. companies has also provided a potential benefit for those with significant sensitivities. The ability to control one’s immediate environment can reduce exposure to triggers and improve overall well-being.

Looking Ahead: Future Research and Understanding

Research on misokinesia is still in its early stages, but ongoing investigations promise to deepen our understanding of this phenomenon. Future studies could explore the role of specific brain regions involved in emotional processing and visual attention, as well as the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to misokinesia sensitivity.

ultimately, increased awareness and understanding of misokinesia can help reduce the stigma associated with this condition and foster more compassionate and supportive environments for those who experience it.

“To those who are suffering from misokinesia, you are not alone,”
Todd Handy, UBC Psychologist

Your challenge is common and it’s real.”