A significant new study has found that nearly one in three people experiences intense negative emotions simply from watching others fidget—an under-recognized social phenomenon known as misokinesia. This surprising discovery, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shines a spotlight on a little-discussed irritation that could reshape our understanding of social interaction, mental wellbeing, and even workplace dynamics (ScienceAlert; MSN).
For many Thais, enduring others’ repetitious movements—from bouncing knees on the BTS to pen-clicking in classrooms—is a daily challenge. However, this latest research marks the first comprehensive scientific attempt to map the prevalence and impact of such visual triggers, highlighting that far more of us are affected than previously thought. As the Thai workforce becomes increasingly urban and social environments grow denser, the findings have particular resonance for local readers facing crowded spaces and fast-changing societal norms.
Led by a psychologist at the University of British Columbia, Canada, the research team coined ‘misokinesia’ to describe the “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.” While science has extensively studied misophonia—a condition where sounds like chewing or pen-tapping provoke emotional distress—misokinesia has received scant attention until now (ScienceAlert).
To uncover how widespread misokinesia is, the study surveyed over 4,100 people, from university students to the general population. The results were striking: around 33% of participants reported some degree of misokinesia, confirming that sensitivity to others’ fidgeting is not just a rare psychological quirk but a common social challenge.
“Individuals 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,” explained a psychologist involved in the study. “Some even pursue fewer social activities because of the condition.” These insights closely parallel issues faced by many Thais, particularly students preparing for high-stakes exams in crowded classrooms or office workers sharing limited space.
Remarkably, the phenomenon exists on a spectrum: while some people barely notice fidgeting, others feel so distressed that they avoid key social or professional opportunities. The researchers also uncovered that misokinesia tends to be distinct from misophonia, but both may overlap in some individuals (Medical Xpress; EurekAlert!).
Delving deeper, the research explored possible mechanisms behind the phenomenon. Initially, scientists suspected that misokinesia sufferers might have heightened visual-attentional sensitivity—essentially, an inability to tune out distractions in their visual field. Tests using emotional oddball tasks, however, did not confirm this, suggesting misokinesia is not simply a matter of visual attention overload (PubMed Study: ERP Evidence).
Instead, researchers are turning to the concept of “mirror neurons”—brain cells that activate both when a person acts and when they see another person act. The psychologist interviewed for the study speculated, “When you see someone get hurt, you may wince as well, as their pain is mirrored in your own brain… 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.”
A qualitative follow-up published in 2024 revealed further impacts (PLOS ONE), noting that misokinesia can strain relationships and inhibit participation in group settings. Participants in that study described discomfort, embarrassment, and even shame when having to explain why they were bothered by others’ innocent fidgeting. Such social challenges could be particularly acute in Thailand’s group-oriented society, where harmony and face-saving are prized values.
From the vantage point of Thai education and office culture, these findings are especially relevant. In traditional classrooms and modern co-working spaces alike, individuals coping with misokinesia may struggle silently. The phenomenon is likely compounded by Thailand’s push toward open-plan schools and work environments designed to foster collaboration but which can inadvertently expose people to more visual distractions.
Public health experts now believe that recognizing misokinesia as a legitimate concern is a first step toward better social support. “To those who are suffering from misokinesia, you are not alone. Your challenge is common and it’s real,” affirmed a psychologist from the University of British Columbia. The visibility of this issue could pave the way for practical adaptations in Thai schools, universities, and workplaces—such as providing quiet areas or opportunities for solo study.
Misokinesia has not yet entered the mainstream of psychiatric diagnosis or popular awareness, especially in Asia. There is no official Thai-language term for the condition yet, and many who suffer may lack the vocabulary to articulate their experience to friends, teachers, or employers. This is reminiscent of the early days of ‘burnout’ and ‘workplace stress,’ which only became household words in Thailand after media exposure, academic research, and policy advocacy.
Interestingly, current scientific evidence suggests that the source of misokinesia is not a flaw in the sufferers, nor is it easily dismissed as simple irritability. Instead, it’s likely to be a complex interplay between empathy, anxiety, and brain function, with future research poised to clarify its neurological basis (PubMed: Qualitative Study). Some researchers have even begun investigating whether treatments designed for misophonia, such as cognitive therapies or medications, might ease misokinesia symptoms (PubMed: Treatment Options).
For Thailand, where personal space is often limited and group harmony is idealized, the study’s implications may be far-reaching. Misokinesia could help explain hidden sources of distress in settings ranging from university lecture halls to crowded meetings and public transport. In the classroom, teachers may mistake a student’s irritability or inattentiveness for misbehavior, when in fact misokinesia—or even a combination of misokinesia and misophonia—is to blame. Similarly, office managers might benefit from awareness training, so responses to fidgeting colleagues are grounded in understanding rather than judgment.
On a broader level, recognizing misokinesia affirms Thai cultural teachings of empathy and mindfulness. Social harmony, long engrained in Buddhist philosophy, may be further fostered by acknowledging invisible hurdles faced by our colleagues and classmates. Just as Thailand’s mental health community has embraced campaigns to destigmatize depression and anxiety, so too could a push for awareness around misokinesia help affected individuals feel seen and supported.
Looking forward, the field is ripe for further inquiry. Academic teams are beginning to investigate whether the phenomenon is increasing in prevalence as digital distractions and multitasking become normalized in daily life (ScienceAlert). There’s also a call for research into protective factors—could mindfulness, self-regulation training, or improved education design mitigate symptoms or less disruptive fidgeting?
The practical message for Thai readers is this: if you, your student, or your coworker feel an outsize emotional response to another person’s small, repetitive movements, know that you are not alone and not abnormal. Open communication is key; consider briefing classmates, supervisors, or friends when possible, and suggest simple environmental changes—such as seating arrangements, flexible breaks, or personal workstation dividers. Employers and educators can include information on misokinesia within broader wellbeing initiatives, fostering a more kind and informed community.
As health, education, and workplace policies evolve, ensuring support for individuals with misokinesia is both a matter of public health and social inclusion. “To those who are suffering from misokinesia, you are not alone. Your challenge is common and it’s real,” reminds a leading expert in the field (ScienceAlert). The Thai experience with misokinesia will surely develop as awareness and research continue to grow.