In a behavioral emergency, which non-threatening posture is recommended?

In a behavioral emergency, which non-threatening posture is recommended?

• A. Hands in front of your body, below your chest
• B. Palms out and slightly to the side
• C. Arms crossed
• D. Turning away

Answer: (B)

Open, non-threatening body language helps de-escalate a behavioral emergency by signaling you’re there to help, not to threaten. The preferred posture shows your palms visible, facing outward, and angled slightly to the side. This communicates openness and non-aggression, makes it easier for the other person to read your intentions, and reduces perceived threat because the hands are visible and not crossing the torso. Other postures can unintentionally convey defensiveness or disengagement: keeping hands in front of the chest can look protective or blocking, crossing the arms signals a closed stance, and turning away can suggest avoidance or dismissal, which tends to heighten tension rather than calm it.

Open, non-threatening body language helps de-escalate a behavioral emergency by signaling you’re there to help, not to threaten. The preferred posture shows your palms visible, facing outward, and angled slightly to the side. This communicates openness and non-aggression, makes it easier for the other person to read your intentions, and reduces perceived threat because the hands are visible and not crossing the torso. Other postures can unintentionally convey defensiveness or disengagement: keeping hands in front of the chest can look protective or blocking, crossing the arms signals a closed stance, and turning away can suggest avoidance or dismissal, which tends to heighten tension rather than calm it.