A recent wave of scientific research has brought attention to a previously little-known condition called misokinesia—an aversion to the sight of others’ repetitive movements—which is now estimated to affect nearly one in three people worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that this visual sensitivity is as pervasive as it is misunderstood, profoundly influencing social interactions and mental well-being, including within Thai society.
Misokinesia, a term translating literally as “hatred of movement,” refers to the strong negative emotional responses—ranging from mild annoyance to intense psychological distress—that some individuals experience when witnessing small, repetitive movements performed by others. Examples include finger tapping, leg bouncing, pen clicking, fidgeting with objects, chewing motions, or nervous tics (Futura Sciences). While the concept may be unfamiliar to the general public, new research led by psychologists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and published in Nature/Scientific Reports in 2021 has shown it is far from rare.
This study, which surveyed over 4,100 people, revealed that about a third of respondents reported significant discomfort or distress in response to visual triggers of misokinesia. For some, the impact is relatively mild, such as a fleeting annoyance or mild distraction; but for others, these reactions escalate to psychological suffering so pronounced that they avoid certain settings or restrict their social lives. Psychologists involved in the study point out that, in more severe cases, misokinesia can interfere with professional productivity, academic engagement, and personal relationships—phenomena that are likely echoed in Thailand’s tightly interconnected communities and lively workspaces.
A key discovery in the UBC research was that misokinesia is distinct from the better-known misophonia, which concerns strong aversive reactions to sound (like chewing or pen clicking noises). Misokinesia is visually triggered—making open-plan office environments, classrooms, and public spaces particularly fraught for those affected. According to the study’s lead author, a psychologist at UBC, “Misokinesia is defined as a strongly negative emotional response to seeing small repetitive movements performed by others.” Fellow researcher Professor of Psychology at UBC added, “Some people even limit their social activities due to this condition,” after observing his own partner’s distress in response to his nervous movements.
Why do only some people react so strongly to fidgeting and tapping? The answer, scientists suggest, may lie in the brain’s mirror neuron system. Mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that activate both when we act and when we observe someone else perform the same action. This system is thought to help us understand others’ emotions and intentions. According to the UBC study’s researchers, people with misokinesia might subconsciously mirror the psychological state of the individual displaying the movement, amplifying their own emotional reactions in the process.
Further research now proposes that repetitive movements often signal anxiety or nervousness. For those with misokinesia, witnessing such behavior might activate their own brain circuits associated with those feelings, making it hard to disengage from the visual triggers even when they wish to ignore them. A follow-up study published in 2024 posited that misokinesia may involve a difficulty in disengaging from these stimuli, not just distraction, suggesting an underlying neurocognitive component driving the intense reactions (Futura Sciences).
Despite its prevalence, misokinesia remains significantly under-researched and is almost never discussed compared with other sensory sensitivities. Experts attribute this to both the novelty of the concept—misokinesia was first formally studied only in the past decade—and the stigmatization of aversive reactions to common behaviors. Mental health professionals, including specialist psychologists at leading Thai hospitals, say that many patients may struggle silently, unsure if their symptoms are legitimate or worthy of seeking help.
The Thai context adds important nuance to this issue. Thai society, like many Asian cultures, emphasizes collective harmony, patience, and respect in public behavior. Overt disturbances in workspaces or schools—such as fidgeting—might attract public disapproval, but the silent suffering of those who are hyper-sensitive to such sights often goes unrecognized. Open-plan offices, popular in Bangkok’s modern business districts, and crowded classrooms across the country, can unfortunately be breeding grounds for misokinesic discomfort. The Thai value of “kreng jai,” the desire not to impose one’s feelings or discomfort on others, may even intensify the psychological strain: individuals suppress their reactions and avoid social gatherings rather than express annoyance.
In recent years, greater awareness of neurodiversity and psychological well-being in Thailand—particularly among educators and urban professionals—has generated more open dialogue about sensory sensitivities. Yet, misokinesia is rarely mentioned in medical textbooks or included in psychological training. This knowledge gap leaves many Thais struggling to identify or manage their distress.
What should those experiencing misokinesia do? Experts recommend several strategies. Mindfulness techniques—such as focusing attention on one’s breath or body sensations—can help reduce physiological arousal in the face of triggers. Where possible, subtle environmental modifications (for example, moving seats in a meeting room, selecting a desk away from fidgeters, or using partitions) can minimize exposure. Discussing the issue with friends, family, or supervisors can foster greater empathy and build practical solutions, although this step may require courage in the context of Thai social norms. When symptoms become severe and cause daily impairment, consulting a mental health professional familiar with sensory processing disorders is advisable.
Looking ahead, Thai mental health advocates and workplace wellness coordinators could take cues from global research and introduce educational materials or screening tools for misokinesia. Schools and universities, already engaged in campaigns around mental health and inclusivity, can create safe spaces for students affected by sensory challenges. As workplaces recover from pandemic-era disruptions and embrace hybrid models, employers can consider flexible environments that allow those with sensory sensitivities—including misokinesia—to thrive (Nature/Scientific Reports, 2021; Futura Sciences).
Historically, aversions to certain sounds and visuals have been described anecdotally but rarely acknowledged as distinct clinical phenomena. Only over the past two decades have misophonia and, now, misokinesia, been recognized as legitimate areas of neuroscientific and psychological investigation. Early research suggests that genetics, past experiences, and cultural factors all play a role—which means Thai researchers and policymakers have a significant opportunity to study this phenomenon in local contexts and offer tailored public health solutions.
As understanding of misokinesia grows, its recognition has the potential to drive more compassionate workplaces, classrooms, and social spaces across Thailand. By listening to the experiences of those affected and supporting their needs, society can ensure that an aversion to movement does not prevent anyone from contributing fully to community life.
For Thai readers concerned about misokinesia—for themselves or loved ones—practical first steps include observing what triggers strong reactions, trying environmental adjustments, and considering professional counseling if symptoms interfere with daily activities. Most importantly, know that you are not alone: new research confirms this is a common condition deserving empathy, investigation, and support.
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