Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2119: Shaun White's Mug Shot - The Flying Tomato's Body Language Tells ....

Shaun White was arrested yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee. He's being charged with vandalism and intoxication. The snowboarding wizard allegedly pulled a fire alarm at the Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel resulting in an evacuation of the guests. He is also is alleged to have destroyed a phone.

In his mug shot image above, the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist's mouth is almost neutral. His forehead shows mild signals of active contraction - exemplified by his elevated eyebrows (slightly more on his left). 

His eyes are the primary areas of interest - displaying some key nonverbals.

In the image below, look carefully at the eye lids. His left lower lid is about 2 mm below the juncture of the cornea/sclera (limbus) while his right lower lid is about 1.5 mm below the limbus. In a resting and relaxed emotional state the limbus is supposed to meet the lower lid margins. Both sides are swollen (mildly on the right, mild-to-moderately on his left) - otherwise the margins of his lids would be retracted even further and display even more "white of the eye" (sclera). This is would also be true of Shaun's upper lids. 

This body language is a display of fear. The Flying Tomato is probably worried about how his commercial sponsors will perceive this brush with the law. He fears for his income.

See also:

Analysis # 1106: Subtle Fear Display of al-Assad

Analysis # 1927: Italy's Fans watching Euro 2012 Final - Expressions of Fear

Analysis # 1696: George Zimmerman's Testimony - Fear, Incredulity, Regret & Contempt

Analysis  # 351: Some Subtle and not-so-subtle signs of anxiety, discomfort, anger, fear ...

Analysis # 2103: Great Example of a Microexpression of Fear

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