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Cited by 43Action Observation and SynchronizationNeuroendocrine regulation and behaviorDiversity and Impact of Dance

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The oxytocinergic system mediates synchronized interpersonal movement during dance

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Josef, Liad, Goldstein, Pavel, Mayseless, Naama, Ayalon, Liat, Shamay-Tsoory, Simone G.·2019·Scientific Reports
DOI 10.1038/s41598-018-37141-1PMC PMC6374432
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Abstract

Because the oxytocinergic (OT) system has previously been linked to regulation of complex social cognition and behavior, we examined whether intranasal administration of OT would modulate synchronization during a real-life dance paradigm. The current study examined pairs of friends while dancing after intranasal administration of OT or placebo. Motion tracking software and a computational model were utilized to measure synchrony between the partners as manifested in the velocity of their movements. In line with our predictions, OT increased synchrony between partners. This effect was stronger for individuals with higher trait empathy scores. We concluded that the OT system plays an important role in promoting interpersonal synchrony during dance, suggesting that OT underlies the kinesthetic dimension of empathy. Although the biological mechanisms underlying empathy have been studied extensively, scientifically validated knowledge about the kinesthetic dimension of empathy is still lacking. The current study supports the hypothesis that interpersonal synchronization in body movement could be a marker of kinesthetic empathy.

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Metadata

Authors
Josef, L., Goldstein, P., Mayseless, N., Ayalon, L., & Shamay-Tsoory, S. G.
Affiliations
  • University of Haifa (IL)
  • University of Colorado Boulder (US)
Corresponding author
Goldstein, Pavel
ORCID
Venue
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2019-02-13
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
1894-1894
ISSN
2045-2322 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1038/s41598-018-37141-1
PMC
PMC6374432
OpenAlex
W2912566259
Cited by
43
References
16
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 2
FWCI
4.69
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Scientific Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Israel Science Foundation (959/18)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Action Observation and Synchronization
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Visual Arts and Performing Arts › Diversity and Impact of Dance
Keywords
oxytocin, interpersonal synchrony, dance, kinesthetic empathy, social cognition, intranasal administration, movement speed, trait empathy, social bonding
MeSH terms
Administration, Intranasal, Adult, Dancing, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Movement, Oxytocin, Placebo Effect, Young Adult

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