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A recent study conducted by a research team led by Wei Zhengde and Prof. Zhang Xiaochu from the Department of Psychology at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has revealed that relationship quality significantly influences emotional synchronization in romantic couples. Their findings, published in NeuroImage, suggest that couples exhibit higher emotional and prefrontal alpha synchronization compared to close friends, particularly when the relationship quality is low.
Understanding Emotional Synchronization
Emotions play a crucial role in social interactions and interpersonal relationships, particularly in romantic partnerships. While previous studies have explored neural activity in romantic relationships, the link between relationship quality and neural synchronization in relation to emotions has remained largely unexplored.
To bridge this knowledge gap, the research team investigated the emotional coordination between romantic couples and close friends using Electroencephalogram (EEG)-hyperscanning during a non-interactive video-watching experiment.
The Study’s Methodology
Researchers recruited 25 pairs of heterosexual couples and 25 pairs of heterosexual friends from local universities. Participants’ brain signals were recorded using EEG while they watched emotionally stimulating videos. The study employed the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) rating method and questionnaires to evaluate the emotional experiences of the participants. The selected video materials elicited six fundamental emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise.
Key Findings
The study revealed that romantic couples demonstrated significantly higher levels of behavioral and prefrontal alpha synchronization compared to close friends. This synchronization was particularly evident during emotionally charged video-watching sessions and in the participants’ ability to comprehend and interpret each other’s emotional states.
Interestingly, relationship quality played a crucial role in emotional synchronization among couples. Those in lower-quality relationships exhibited increased neural synchronization as a compensatory mechanism to maintain behavioral synchronization. Furthermore, the study identified a negative correlation between relationship quality and neural synchronization, with couples categorized into high-quality and low-quality relationship groups displaying varying degrees of synchronization.
Implications and Future Research
This study provides valuable insights into how relationship quality influences neural and behavioral synchronization in romantic relationships. By examining emotional coordination in a natural, non-interactive setting, the research enhances our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms governing emotional dynamics in couples.
Further research could explore how these findings may contribute to relationship counseling and therapy, potentially helping couples strengthen their emotional bonds through improved emotional understanding and coordination.
More Information: Yijun Chen et al, Higher emotional synchronization is modulated by relationship quality in romantic relationships and not in close friendships, NeuroImage (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120733
Journal information: NeuroImage
Disclaimer: This article is based on a scientific study and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional psychological or relationship advice. Readers seeking personal guidance should consult a qualified expert.
