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In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have uncovered a fascinating link between physiological synchrony and romantic attraction. The study, recently published in Communications Psychology, suggests that the more synchronized individuals are with each other, the more romantically attractive they are perceived to be.
Dr. Shir Atzil, co-author of the study, explained the motivation behind the research: “We aimed to discover a biological mechanism that impacts mate selection in humans and how the ability to synchronize can signify fitness. We hypothesized that the ability to synchronize stems from fundamental sensorimotor abilities and that this adaptability might be perceived as beneficial in romantic contexts.”
The study explored the idea that physiological synchrony, or the alignment of physiological states between individuals, enhances romantic attraction. This synchrony can facilitate better regulation of bodily systems and more fulfilling interactions, making individuals more appealing as potential partners.
To test their hypothesis, Dr. Atzil and her colleagues conducted a two-part study. The first part involved an online experiment with 144 participants. These participants watched videos of male and female actors interacting with varying levels of physiological and behavioral synchrony. They were then asked to rate the attractiveness of the actors, the perceived mutual attraction between them, and the level of behavioral synchronization.
The findings were clear: higher synchrony between actors led to higher attractiveness ratings from the participants. This result prompted the researchers to conduct a follow-up, in-person study involving 48 participants in a speed dating experiment. During these five-minute interactions, participants rated the attractiveness of their dates and completed a synchronization task.
To collect physiological data, the researchers used the Empatica E4 wristband, which measured sympathetic nervous system activation, sweat secretion, and electrodermal activity. The data revealed a consistent pattern: individuals who were better at synchronizing, both socially and in sensorimotor tasks, were rated as more attractive.
Dr. Atzil noted, “We see that the ability to synchronize is stable across tasks and across partners. Some people are super synchronizers, and super synchronizers are consistently rated as more attractive.”
These findings support the idea that physiological synchrony enhances romantic attraction and may have evolutionary and cognitive advantages. The research opens new avenues for exploring the complex mechanisms of mate selection in humans.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atzil and her team plan to further investigate the characteristics of “super synchronizers” and their neural, behavioral, and physiological profiles. “The most important finding of this study is that synchrony is a domain general individual aptitude, which signifies romantic attraction,” Dr. Atzil added.
The study, led by Dr. Atzil along with Matan Cohen and Prof. Merav Ahissar, marks a significant step in understanding the intricate processes behind romantic attraction and mate selection.
For more details, refer to the full study: M. Cohen et al, Social and nonsocial synchrony are interrelated and romantically attractive, Communications Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44271-024-00109-1.
