Question

Why is it important to consider non-verbal communication from a cultural perspective when performing a patient diagnosis?

Answer 1

If the person is from a different culture, some nonverbal indications may have different interpretations. For example, our sign for "okay" is holding up your hand with the thumb and forefinger in a circle. However, in Italy (I think) this would be a rude gesture.

Here are more examples:

http://drdavespsychologypage.intuitwebsites.com/Communicating_with_Time.pdf

http://drdavespsychologypage.intuitwebsites.com/Proxemics______Too_Close_for_Comfort.pdf