A study of nonverbal communication among jews and protestants

This study explored the nonverbal communication of Protestant Americans (Episcopalians) of Anglo-Saxon descent and American Jews. Conducted in Jewish synagogues (n = 164 males and females) and Episcopalian churches (n = 160 males and females), the investigation examined the distance and axis at which communicators interacted and the types of gestures and tactile behavior conversants displayed. Few significant differences were found between Jews and Protestants; accordingly, nonsignificant statistical trends were reported in addition to the limited number of tactility and gestural scores that were significantly different. Genders did not differ significantly on distance, axis, and tactility. Significant differences were found between men and women on gesticulation.