Mindful Attraction and Synchronization: Mindfulness and Regulation of Interpersonal Synchronicity

Abstract

We sought to test whether mindfulness can increase interpersonal synchronicity. To achieve this, a novel method was developed to measure complementary cognition and behavior in dyads. Pairs of individuals in a mindful treatment and control group were asked to converse in pairs, separate and complete another task, and return to talk again when they felt ready. Control group pairs returned in a relatively uniform amount of time, while mindful pairs displayed a higher level of differentiation. Mindfully primed partners enjoyed the second conversation more, were rated as being more comfortable with each other, and often returned closely together. Individuals and pairs high in trait mindfulness also had increased enjoyment. Additionally, the mindful group showed a physiological matching in the closeness of their heart rate. These results suggest that mindfulness, when present, can regulate coordination dynamics and increase interpersonal synchronicity.

Modeling and Measurement of Interpersonal Attraction and Coordination in Charged Social Space-Time

“…Poorly matched pairs do not converge optimally in the present moment. The effect cannot be attributed only to the shorter total elapsed time (Haas, 2012b); and how other variables such as enjoyment caused an increased speed of return is discussed in the original study (Haas and Langer, 2014). Personality matching did closely approach eISSN 1303-5150 www.neuroquantology.com 6 significant correlation with simultaneity as shown in Figure 3 [r = .25, R 2 = .062, p = .058, one-tailed].…”

“…The study was designed to measure an effect that most closely resembles the emergence (Cambray, 2002) of an efficient state of mutual interaction after an interval of time, much like a classical synchronicity (Jung, 1955). The alignment of a productive meeting at a "moment of time" (Hogenson, 2009) is defined as a form of cooperative interpersonal synchronicity that is mutually beneficial (Haas & Langer, 2014).…”

“…Details of the experimental method and results are published in an earlier issue (Haas & Langer, 2014). In brief, the experimental design involved pairs of individuals who would meet for a short conversation on any topics of their choosing.…”

“…From a previous empirical study on synchronistic behavior (Haas and Langer, 2014), it was expected that dyads who are compatible and well-matched would become strongly bonded and coordinated. A pair of individuals matched on a sufficient number of variables was expected to want to do things together because their interests align.…”

“…Data collected in the recently published experimental study is analyzed here in a further analysis based on personality alignment (Haas and Langer, 2014). In addition to the beneficial effects of mindfulness on interpersonal coordination, it was predicted that dyads well-matched on personality traits would exhibit a similar increased synchronistic alignment in decision-making after an intervening period between two meetings.…”