When observing an Afghan American interact with others, what influences their use of touch?

The use of touch in interactions, particularly among Afghan Americans, is significantly influenced by the level of trust between individuals and the amount of eye contact exchanged. Trust plays a pivotal role in determining how comfortable one feels with physical touch. In Afghan culture, communication can be deeply nuanced, with touch serving as a form of connection that may be reserved for those with whom one shares a bond of trust.

Furthermore, eye contact is a critical aspect of communication that conveys respect and engagement. It affects how individuals perceive one another and can determine the openness to physical contact. Therefore, one's comfort level with touch can vary greatly based on how much trust has been established and the dynamics of eye contact during the interaction.

Although gender, race, age, social class, family relationships, and religion can all have roles in shaping cultural practices and behaviors, the focus on trust and eye contact directly aligns with interpersonal dynamics and the immediate context of interactions. This makes the influence of trust and eye contact the most relevant factor regarding the use of touch among Afghan Americans.