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Oxytocin dynamics in interpersonal sensorimotor synchrony: Controlled experiments in humans.
Elina Tsigeman1, Larisa Mararitsa1, Yana Gorina2
1HSE University, The Social and Cognitive Informatics Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
Hormones and Behavior
|September 14, 2025
Summary
Interpersonal synchronisation did not alter oxytocin (OXT) levels in strangers. However, synchronous interactions with familiar partners maintained OXT levels, unlike asynchronous interactions which decreased them.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Social Interaction
Background:
- Interpersonal sensorimotor synchronisation is key to communication.
- Oxytocin (OXT) is implicated in synchronisation, but its role requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of interpersonal synchronisation on salivary oxytocin (OXT) concentrations.
- To explore if synchronisation influences liking between strangers.
Main Methods:
- Two randomized controlled experiments involving synchronous or asynchronous hand gesture tasks.
- Salivary OXT levels measured via ELISA before and after tasks (Experiment 1) and at multiple time points (Experiment 2).
- Participants included strangers (Experiment 1) and familiar dyads (Experiment 2).
Main Results:
- No significant changes in salivary OXT or liking were observed in Experiment 1 (strangers).
- Asynchronous interaction decreased OXT levels over time in Experiment 2 (familiar dyads).
- Synchronous interaction maintained stable OXT levels over time in Experiment 2.
Conclusions:
- Interpersonal synchronisation may stabilise oxytocin levels in familiar dyads.
- The methodology for studying synchronisation and its hormonal correlates warrants careful consideration.
- Oxytocin's role in synchronisation might depend on relationship familiarity.
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