Mutual gaze and movement synchrony boost observers' enjoyment and perception of togetherness when watching dance duets.

ABSTRACT: As social beings, we are adept at coordinating our body movements and gaze with others. Often, when coordinating with another person, we orient ourselves to face them, as mutual gaze provides valuable cues pertaining to attention and intentions. Moreover, movement synchrony and mutual gaze are associated with prosocial outcomes, yet the perceptual consequences of these forms of coordination remain poorly understood. Across two experiments, we assessed how movement synchrony and gaze direction influence observers' perceptions of dyads. Observers' behavioural responses indicated that dyads are perceived as more socially connected and are more enjoyable to watch when moving synchronously and facing each other. Neuroimaging results showed modulation of the Action Observation and Theory of Mind

SUBMITTER: Cross ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11473960 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature