What defines adapters in nonverbal communication?

Adapters in nonverbal communication are behaviors that individuals perform, often unconsciously, to manage their emotional states or to satisfy physical needs. These movements typically occur during moments of personal tension or anxiety and are frequently performed in private or during personal interactions, although they might be partially visible to others in public settings. This characteristic of being partly private yet observable explains why movements are considered adapters; they often arise from personal discomfort or a subconscious need, reflecting the individual's internal emotional state.

Other options may misrepresent the nature of adapters. For example, while some gestures enhance speech, that focus specifically pertains to different types of nonverbal communication, like illustrators, rather than adapters. Additionally, the notion that adapters are limited to public behaviors fails to capture their often private origins. Finally, while certain actions may indeed gain cultural acceptance, the defining feature of adapters is their connection to personal physiological and psychological needs rather than cultural norms or public performance.