Mr. Ono is a new patient. When his doctor talks to him, he looks down at the floor. What communication barrier most likely explains his lack of eye contact?

Mr. Ono is a new patient. When his doctor talks to him, he looks down at the floor. What communication barrier most likely explains his lack of eye contact?

• A. Language barrier
• B. Discomfort
• C. Culture
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (C)

Eye contact patterns reflect cultural norms. In many cultures, showing deference to authority figures like doctors means avoiding sustained direct eye contact and looking down during conversation. Mr. Ono’s downcast gaze is consistent with that cultural expectation, making culture the most likely explanation for his behavior. If it were a language barrier, you’d expect misunderstandings or the need for repetition and clarification rather than a gaze pattern tied to respectful norms. Fatigue would typically show as tired eyes or reduced alertness rather than a culturally driven gesture. Discomfort could cause avoidance too, but it’s less tied to a broad cultural communication pattern. Understanding this helps clinicians approach the patient with sensitivity, perhaps by inviting questions and confirming comfort levels to maintain effective communication.

Eye contact patterns reflect cultural norms. In many cultures, showing deference to authority figures like doctors means avoiding sustained direct eye contact and looking down during conversation. Mr. Ono’s downcast gaze is consistent with that cultural expectation, making culture the most likely explanation for his behavior. If it were a language barrier, you’d expect misunderstandings or the need for repetition and clarification rather than a gaze pattern tied to respectful norms. Fatigue would typically show as tired eyes or reduced alertness rather than a culturally driven gesture. Discomfort could cause avoidance too, but it’s less tied to a broad cultural communication pattern. Understanding this helps clinicians approach the patient with sensitivity, perhaps by inviting questions and confirming comfort levels to maintain effective communication.