On Wednesday South Korea defeated Germany 2-0 at the World Cup. The German national team was not only the defending champions, but this loss also resulted in their elimination in the first round - which hasn't happened in 80 years. In the image above Mario Gomez (23) and Mats Hummels (5) are seen just after the match.
When confronted with defeat or when witnessing an emotionally disturbing event, we will frequently quickly move our hands to the top/sides of our heads. This nonverbal tell is commonly displayed by the losing athletes in sporting competitions when the other team scores - or near the end of an unsuccessful game/match/race.
This rapid hands-to-head behavior is partially is a symptom of emotional processing. For while the intellectual mind may know what has happened/is happening - the emotional mind has yet to fully to come to terms with the events - and the ramifications.
Soldiers in the act of surrendering/prisoners of war (as well as individuals upon police arrest) will very often display identical nonverbal behavior. Once captive, of course, they have no choice - they are forced. Obviously, this posture of surrender lessens the chances of physical retaliation and escape - but quite strongly, this body language also engenders beta emotions of psychological and physical weakness.
SUMMARY: The hands-to-head configuration is a sign of emotional processing in the face of witnessing or hearing a dramatic emotional event. It also makes a defeated person feel more even more beta, vulnerable, and hopeless. It's a form of negative nonverbal biofeedback. Thus, from a sports psychology perspective, this is one nonverbal behavior which we should never allow ourselves the luxury of displaying on the pitch, field, diamond, rink, or track.
Group Appearances and One-on-One
Online Courses Available
See also:
Body Language & Emotional Intelligence - Analysis No. 4106 (Reposting with Addendum): Jordan's Queen Rania meets with Rohingya Refugee Children & Melania Trump's Visit to Children's Shelter/Detention Center
Body Language & Emotional Intelligence - Analysis No. 4310: Donald Trump overturns his policy of separating families at the border
Body Language Analysis No. 4308: DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's most Telling Expression
Body Language Analysis No. 4306: Donald Trump, a North Korean General, and a Salute
Body Language Analysis No. 4299: Bill Clinton confronted regarding Monica Lewinsky Affair
Body Language Analysis No. 4289: A Royal Wedding, Suppression of Tears, and Meghan Markle's Mom
Body Language Analysis No. 4268: Benedict Cumberbatch, Schadenfreude, and The Grinch
Body Language Analysis No. 4202: Saoirse Ronan, Ed Sheeran, and Galway Girl (Galway Grill)
Body Language Analysis No. 4136: Seminole Heights/Tampa Florida Serial Killer - Criminal Profiling
__________________________
