Noticing someone fidget can be distracting, vexing, and even excruciating. But why do some people find it so unbearable Research suggests that this reaction, known as misokinesia literally “hatred of movements” is a surprisingly common psychological phenomenon, affecting as many as one in three people. Although misokinesia had been largely unstudied until recent years, it was often mentioned alongside a related condition, misophonia, where certain repetitive sounds trigger intense irritation.
Unlike misophonia, misokinesia is triggered by visual stimuli, such as seeing someone fidget with their hands or feet. In a 2021 study led by psychologist Sumeet Jaswal, then at the University of British Columbia (UBC), researchers conducted the first in-depth exploration of misokinesia and discovered that sensitivity to fidgeting is widespread.
Through experiments involving over 4,100 participants, the researchers found that approximately one-third of people reported some level of misokinesia in their daily lives. The study revealed that this condition is not limited to clinical populations but is a common social challenge for many.
Interestingly, misokinesia often overlaps with misophonia, though not always. The severity of the response varies among individuals, with some experiencing only mild irritation, while others report intense emotional reactions like anger, anxiety, or frustration. These feelings can lead to reduced enjoyment of social activities, work, and learning environments, with some individuals even avoiding social situations altogether.
UBC psychologist Todd Handy, who became interested in misokinesia after learning his partner was stressed by his fidgeting, explained that while the exact cause of misokinesia remains unclear, one theory involves “mirror neurons.” These neurons, which activate when we move and when we see others move, might cause people with misokinesia to unconsciously empathize with the anxiety or nervousness of fidgeters, mirroring those emotions in their own brains.
While more research is needed to fully understand misokinesia, this study highlights that the phenomenon is more common than previously thought. For those affected, Handy offers reassurance: “You are not alone. Your challenge is common and it’s real.” The findings of this study are published in Scientific Reports.
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