Hello! My first discussion as a member!

[cbanner89]

Hello, my name is Chris. I'm new to these forums as a member, but I have read discussions a few times.

I was wondering about something and I figured this would be the place to bring such a question.

I have been interested in studying criminal psychology for some time, but I'm not sure I'm going to get the opportunity to go down that path now. I've decided to study interesting psychology related things on the side in my spare time and the first task I'm going to take on is that of learning how to read body language.

My question is : to what extent can one read anothers body language? How much of a 'profile' of someone can you gather from just meeting them or even looking at them and how much of the general idea of this fluffed up by hollywood? As cheesy and lame as it is, I'll reference 2 examples of potentially 'fluffed up' holywood portrayals ; Criminal Minds and The Mentalist. I suppose one of the major things I'm curious about is how much of the material in these shows is real, and how much of it I should cast aside as mis-representation.

I understand nothing is like TV, and I am completely comfortable with that, I just want to know where to look to learn what I can on my own. Can you recommend any books I can read and study, etc.?

                                   Thankyou for your time and I look forward to discussing things with you in the future!
                               
                                                                                                          - Chris                         

[Enigma]

Get yourself a copy of What Every Body is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People by Joe Navarro.

[SWM]

i am not aware of any books on the subject but i do place a great value on understanding body language people communicate so much through their expressions and much of their expressions are unconscious. understanding these gestures and what they are expressing is a great advantage to understanding people.

[Enigma]

Body language is often more truthful than verbal language, because body language is tied the the instinctual functions of the limbic system (or as Paul Maclean put it, the mammalian brain).  Think about it: how many times have you seen someone say "im fine" with a dejected look on their face, or a friend has called you an asshole while grinning.  Their body language is the key to knowing their emotions, even when their words may be misleading. 

[pert -5]

Hello, my name is Chris. I'm new to these forums as a member, but I have read discussions a few times.

I was wondering about something and I figured this would be the place to bring such a question.

I have been interested in studying criminal psychology for some time, but I'm not sure I'm going to get the opportunity to go down that path now. I've decided to study interesting psychology related things on the side in my spare time and the first task I'm going to take on is that of learning how to read body language.

My question is : to what extent can one read anothers body language? How much of a 'profile' of someone can you gather from just meeting them or even looking at them and how much of the general idea of this fluffed up by hollywood? As cheesy and lame as it is, I'll reference 2 examples of potentially 'fluffed up' holywood portrayals ; Criminal Minds and The Mentalist. I suppose one of the major things I'm curious about is how much of the material in these shows is real, and how much of it I should cast aside as mis-representation.

I understand nothing is like TV, and I am completely comfortable with that, I just want to know where to look to learn what I can on my own. Can you recommend any books I can read and study, etc.?

                                   Thankyou for your time and I look forward to discussing things with you in the future!
                               
                                                                                                          - Chris                         

I would study the field of psychedelics and other mind-altering substances.  Pharmacology is one particular route to go in this endeavor, as you will learn to determine the physiological dynamics of the agent in relation to its respective receptor points in the brain. But if that is not viable for you, then I would go out and try a few entheogens.  Particularly cannabis, and either magic mushrooms or LSD.  These things will expand your mind.  There is not one possibility of doubt about that.  Your awareness will travel into different avenues of thought and perception, the likes of which your wildest imagination could never even grapple.  This cognizance will lead, in most cases, to a stronger stabilization of your grasp on the reality of the capacity and capabilities of your brain.

Note:
Yes, it is subject to change.  At any time, at any moment.

[kontra]

I would back up Enigma on this. Get yourself a copy of Joe Navarro's book. There are many others dealing with body language, but his directly refers to the limbic system response, which are basically unconscious signals and relief-mechanisms the body uses to deal with comfort and stress.

Soon after you go through the book, prime yourself to note those motions. I was pleasantly surprised to see many of these responses in the same week which I read it. Most of them are found in couple conversations and especially on bus/train rides. I would suggest keeping a keen eye on their feet.

Criminal minds and Mentalist are good series, but as you said, they serve for entertainment purposes. So keep that in mind.