A Japanese client who is reluctant to look you in the eye during counseling would most likely be displaying:

• A. Signs of deception
• B. Lack of confidence
• C. Normal behavior within her culture
• D. Defensiveness

Answer: (C)

Eye contact is culturally shaped, and in Japan, avoiding direct eye contact with someone in a counseling role is often a sign of respect and modesty rather than deceit or personal insecurity. The client’s reluctance to look you in the eye fits with normal cultural behavior, signaling politeness and attentiveness in this context. It isn’t a reliable indicator of deception, lack of confidence, or defensiveness when viewed through the cultural lens. In practice, interpret nonverbal cues within the cultural background and focus on other communication signals to gauge comfort and rapport.