It takes two to mimic: Behavioral consequences of self-construals.

Abstract

The present studies demonstrated the moderation of self-construal orientation on mimicry. Recent research has indicated that an interdependent self-construal is associated with assimilation of the other to the self whereas an independent self-construal is associated with minimizing the influence of others on the self (H. R. Markus & S. Kitayama, 1991; D. Stapel & W. Koomen, 2001). Therefore, the authors hypothesized that an interdependent self-construal would be associated with more mimicry than an independent self-construal. When self-construal orientations were experimentally primed, as in Studies 1 and 2, independent self-construals produced less nonconscious mimicry than interdependent self-construals. When self-construals were examined as cultural differences with either a chronically dominant independent (Americans) or interdependent (Japanese) construal of the self, these results were replicated.

Top-down social modulation of interpersonal observation–execution

“…Previous work has demonstrated that automatic imitation (Leighton et al, 2010;Cook & Bird, 2011; and naturalistic behavioural mimicry (van Baaren, Maddux, Chartrand, & van Knippenberg, 2003) is enhanced following a pro-social prime compared to an anti-social prime. In these studies, participants typically responded while observing static images or short videos of biological actions, and as such it is not clear whether the prime modulates processing of biological motion kinematics (hand motion) and/or the action goal (final open hand posture).…”

“…Although we do not have data to specify the direction of these interpretative processes, it is noteworthy that visual attention to stimuli is also heightened during social-cultural environments (Nisbett, Peng, Choi, & Norenzayan, 2001;van Baaren et al, 2009). For example, visual attention to environmental stimuli may operate in an independent manner whereby an observer has the tendency to ignore mannerisms leading to reductions in mimicry (van Baaren et al, 2003). Alternatively, if attention is context dependent, the goal of social interaction is to develop behavioural assimilation which enhances mimicry because more mannerisms are noticed.…”

Fairness modulates non-conscious facial mimicry in women

“…A possible interpretation of the observed modulation of facial mimicry is provided by the framework of the PAM as well as psychological theories stating that the extent to which an individual perceives the state of an interaction partner is affected by their interdependence [16,23,24]. This interdependence has been suggested to vary over time and between situations: proximate goals can increase interdependence to facilitate cooperation, but also decrease interdependence when efforts are frustrated [16].…”

Emotional transfer in goal systems

“…In this sense, these individuals may be seen as constituting ''means'' to goal attainment (see also Moskowitz, Salomon, & Taylor, 2000;van Baaren, Maddux, Chartrand, de Bouter, & van Knippenberg, 2003). If our analysis is correct, the way we feel about these persons (in terms of both the quality and the quantity of affect) should depend both on the type of goal with which pursuit they are associated and on the degree of association strength (in the actorÕs mind) between these persons and the actorÕs goals.…”