The courtship dance: Patterns of nonverbal synchronization in opposite-sex encounters

Author(s): Kruck, K. B., Magnusson, M. S.

Journal/Book: J Nonverbal Behav. 1998; 22: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013-1578. Human Sci Press Inc. 3-29.

Abstract: This study examines the existence of behavioral correlates of synchronization on different levels of analysis and methods. We were unable to demonstrate a relation between synchronization defined in terms of movement echo or position mirroring and subjective experience of pleasure and interest in opposite-sex encounters. Significant results were found for a phenomenon we describe as hierarchically patterned synchronization. These patterns were identified with the help of a newly developed search algorithm. If a female is interested in a male, highly complex patterns of behavior with a constant time structure emerge. The patterns are pair-specific and independent from behavioral content. This rhythmic structure of interactions is discussed in functional terms of human courtship.

Note: Article Grammer K, Ludwig Boltzmann Inst Urban Ethol, Althanstr 14, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA

Keyword(s): INTERACTIONAL SYNCHRONY; BEHAVIOR; COMMUNICATION; RAPPORT

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