- Regardless of race or ethnicity, researchers found that professional football (soccer) players nonverbally react to missing easy goals or saves (goalies) by putting both hands on their heads.
- According to psychologists, this universal display signifying “you know you messed up” is evolutionarily rooted in seeking forgiveness to maintain group acceptance.
- Studies also suggest people cover their heads, which are “vulnerable and critical,” while experiencing mental pain.
- Fans also engage in hands-on-head displays of disappointment to show solidarity with players and each other.
