2007-01-07 10:14:14 · 33 answers · asked by Billy 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Why we breathe?
It's an instinct... and can't really be helped.
2007-01-07 10:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by Chεεrs [uk] 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Comparative Psychologists would tell you that we cover up our open mouthed expression (shock, yawns, surprise) with our hands because we do not want to express that we are threatening anyone.
Opening our mouths wide is an instinctual trait passed down through evolution. Opening the mouth wide exposes the teeth and is used to threaten enemies or scare off predators.
All these expression: shock, yawning and surprise are linked to fear.
Yawning occurs much more frequently when a person is nervous and also when a person is tired: being nervous is a signal that danger is present, and being tired leaves us vulnerable to attack.
Shock is also a signal that we are in the presence of danger and so too is surprise. When a person is surprised/shocked to the point where they open their mouths, it means there is danger present. Natural instinct to open mouth and flash everyone those dangerous canines.
We cover our mouths because we want to inhibit others from seeing us as a threat or as dangerous... we cover up the expression when the expression is inappropriate (no danger is present).
2007-01-07 11:24:26 · answer #2 · answered by Elysia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The psychological analysis above made interesting reading. I have also heard that women are much more likely than men to do this because exposing the open mouth carries with it a sexual connotation. It was indeed considered impolite in our society to allow your mouth to gape open without covering it but since manners and etiquette are no longer so important, one has to consider why we still do it. In fact, it seems to be instinctive, as Elysia suggests. If you observe children playing or, for instance, watching a pantomime etc, from a very early age their hand will be clapped to their mouth in excitement. We do it in much the same way as we hide our face when we cry or bare our teeth when we are angry.
2007-01-07 11:46:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When shocked, your mouth opens, but your hand goes to your mouth to muffle your words, which may be less than proper (like, Oh f--k).
2007-01-07 10:17:25 · answer #4 · answered by sweetsinglemom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it has something to do with the expression "Scared me out of my wits" or "Scared the **** out of me" I've heard it was back in the 1800's that it was a way to keep your soul in while being scared. People believed that when someone shocked you they were trying to get a rise out of you
2007-01-07 10:17:24 · answer #5 · answered by Nicolette H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it shows that we are so surprised that we don't want others to hear what we have to say (as it is our first response, and my not be proper). Or if the shock is really really bad, it may be used to prevent vomit from coming out.
2007-01-07 10:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by ja11389 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To show that words can not express the the utter dis belief
2007-01-07 10:19:17 · answer #7 · answered by Raymond B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps to signify surprise without actually uttering words, and to show that our mouths are open (whether they are, or not) but that is rude to have our mouths hanging wide open like that.
2007-01-07 10:16:27 · answer #8 · answered by mrjohntesh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when you are shocked you want to calm down right? Well there is something in your neck that if you tap on it, it will help you relax and release a hormone. I learned about it in anatomy.
2007-01-07 10:21:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its to be polite. You cover your mouth so people don't see in your mouth. In some cultures it is also consider polite to cover your mouth when your laughing.
2007-01-07 10:17:18 · answer #10 · answered by HOVO 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont. My mouth drops and I go into a wierd mindlock.
2007-01-07 10:16:49 · answer #11 · answered by JAMI E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋