Ever noticed yourself walking perfectly in step with your friend? Caught yourself nodding along to the story they’re telling you? Or feeling closer to someone after dancing with them? This phenomenon is called interpersonal synchrony. It’s not just a coincidence, it’s the way our brains are programmed to bring us closer together.
The research shows that interpersonal synchrony starts in infancy, babies copy their parents to learn behaviours and to deepen connections. It was previously thought that this system is fully developed by age 5 - but it actually continues to develop into adolescence and beyond.
What is interpersonal synchrony?
When we socialise, there is an unconscious coordination of movements, rhythms and even physiological responses between us. It happens in everyday life - when we match a colleague’s tone in conversation, mirror a friend’s gestures, or sway together at a concert.
But it’s not just about movement; synchrony also occurs on deeper levels, from heart rate alignment to brainwave synchronisation.
The Science Behind It
Neuroscience research shows that when we engage in synchrony - our brain activity literally aligns. Brain imaging has found that individuals interacting with each other exhibit neural synchrony - meaning their brains fire in a coordinated way. This alignment is linked to improved communication, empathy and social bonding.
One study found that when people tap fingers, walk, or sing in sync, their brain regions associated with social connection (like the medial prefrontal cortex) light up in tandem. This is why synchronised activities, like drumming or chanting together, can create a sense of unity and collective identity (Kokal et al, 2011).
The Social Superpower of Synchrony
Interpersonal synchrony isn’t just about feeling connected - it shapes how we interact with and behave towards others. Studies have shown that synchrony can:
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Increase trust and cooperation - Teams that move in sync work better together.
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Enhance empathy - Synchrony of facial expression leads to a deeper understanding of the other person's thoughts and intentions. (Koehne et al, 2016)
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Strengthen social bonds - Couples who unconsciously synchronise their heartbeats or steps tend to feel closer and more in sync emotionally. (Hu., et al 2022).
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Even influence pain tolerance - Ever felt energised after a group workout? That’s because endorphins (Our body’s natural painkillers) spike when we move in sync, making physical exertion feel easier and more enjoyable (Tarr et al, 2006).
How Can We Use Synchrony in Everyday Life?
Understanding interpersonal synchrony can help us strengthen relationships, improve teamwork and build social connections. Here’s how you can apply it:
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In Leadership & Teamwork - Encourage shared movements like group workouts to boost cohesion
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In Personal Relationships - Sync your breathing - Matching your breathing with a loved one’s, especially in moments of stress, can increase calmness and deepen emotional bonding
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In Learning & Creativity - Sync While Studying - Studying in rhythmic environments (like listening to steady beats) can enhance focus and group cohesion.
Final Thoughts
Interpersonal Synchrony is more than a quirky social phenomenon, it’s wired in our brains and deeply affects how we connect with others. Whether it’s walking, dancing, breathing, exercising or listening. Synchrony helps us feel understood, seen, and connected.
Next time you notice yourself unconsciously mirroring someone, take a moment to appreciate it. It’s what brings us closer together and is a fundamental part of being human. Who knows? A little more synchrony might just be what we need.
References
Tarr, B., Launay, J., Dunbar, R.I.M. (2016). Silent disco: dancing in synchrony leads to elevated pain thresholds and social closeness. Evolution and Human Behaviour, (37), pp. 343-349.
Hu,. Y., Cheng, X., Pan, Y., Hu. (2022). The intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences of interpersonal synchrony. Acta Physchologica, 224.
Kokal, I., Engel, A., Kirschner, S., & Keysers, C. (2011). Synchronized drumming enhances activity in the caudate and facilitates prosocial commitment—If the rhythm comes easily. PLoS ONE, 6(11).
Koehne. S., Hatri. A., Cacioppo. J.T., Dziobek. I., (2016). Perceived interpersonal synchrony increases empathy: Insights from autism spectrum disorder. Cognition, (146) pp.8-15.