One relatively recent topic in nonverbal behavior research is that of the relationship between stress and nonverbal behavior. Both overarousal and underarousal through nonverbal behavior can lead to stress. A research topic in this area should focus on a specific aspect of this phenomenon. Some research topics are how trends in nonverbal communication moderates the connection between technology and stress, opposite-sex touch avoidance and the nonverbal behavior of the socially anxious.
Emotion is a large part of nonverbal research, because emotions are primarily communicated through nonverbal channels. In a sense, emotion is inseparable from nonverbal communication. However, there are differences in how individuals and cultures make the connection between emotions and nonverbal behavior. There are many possible research topics in this area, including the role mirror neurons play in motivating certain behaviors, how people interpret the emotions of others and facial feedback.
The formation and retention of close relationships relies on the idea of intimacy. Intimacy develops through behaviors that arouse or stimulate the partners involved in the relationship. Many of these behaviors are nonverbal. There are many research topics about nonverbal behavior involved in the study of intimacy, particularly relating to the development and stabilization of close relationships. Some possible specific research topics in this subfield are how nonverbal behaviors are interpreted differently by partners in different stages of a close relationship, how people use nonverbal behaviors to defend against unwanted pursuit and the differences between the nonverbal behavior of men and women in relationships.
Men and women differ in more than just their physical appearances. Nonverbal communication differences in gender appear during interactions. The differences and similarities between men's and women's nonverbal communication patterns has been a topic in psychology for decades. Some specific topics you may choose to research include differences in nonverbal communication ability between the sexes, touching behaviors and the use of nonverbal behaviors to display dominance over the other gender.