Circling Science

Interpersonal synchrony feels good but impedes self-regulation of affect

Laura Galbusera, Michael T. M. Finn, Wolfgang Tschacher and Miriam Kyselo · 2019

Evidence
Observational study
Kind
Journal article
peer-reviewed
Method
Whole-body motion capture of pairs of strangers improvising a wordless movement ‘conversation’, with affect rated before and after
Sample
66 adults in 33 pairs of strangers
Published
Scientific Reports, 9, 14691

Mechanisms

Studies a process a circle relies on, such as disclosure or synchrony, wherever it happens.

Strangers held a five-minute ‘conversation without words’ in movement: the more their movements synchronised, the better they felt afterwards, and the less able they were to regulate their feelings for themselves.

What it doesn’t show

A single five-minute task between strangers, measured straight afterwards. Synchrony was measured, not assigned, so it may stand for something else about the pair.

Summary based on the abstract and the full text’s methods.

Directions that build on it

  1. Closeness or conformity

    Builds on 5 works · 2 funding routes

    When a circle falls into step, do its members grow closer, more conforming, or both?

Links

Cite

Galbusera, L., Finn, M. T. M., Tschacher, W., & Kyselo, M. (2019). Interpersonal synchrony feels good but impedes self-regulation of affect. Scientific Reports, 9, 14691. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50960-0