202511.22
The Key to Comforting Others Isn't Just How You Speak: What is the Importance of "Synchrony"? (Publication)
Posted in RESEARCH
When it comes to interpersonal emotion regulation, people often assume that “how you talk” is the most important element in comforting someone. However, research suggests that synchrony between bodies and brains may also play a more critical role. In this study, we simultaneously recorded the brain activity of friends—using fNIRS—while one partner attempted to regulate the other’s negative emotions. We also analyzed behavioral synchrony during conversation through Motion Energy Analysis (MEA).
The results showed that, during emotional support, pairs with higher levels of movement synchrony were also more likely to exhibit neural synchrony. This synchrony, in turn, made the receiving partner feel that their emotions were truly being understood and responded to. Notably, synchrony in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—an area associated with joint attention—was particularly pronounced. This suggests that when both individuals direct their attention fully toward each other, comfort is more likely to resonate emotionally.
Furthermore, the study found that such behavioral and neural synchrony was stronger among female friend pairs, suggesting that gender may shape sensitivity and coordination styles in interpersonal emotion regulation.
The findings were published in NeuroImage. (Shao)
When it comes to interpersonal emotion regulation, people often assume that “how you talk” is the most important element in comforting someone. However, research suggests that synchrony between bodies and brains may also play a more critical role. In this study, we simultaneously recorded the brain activity of friends—using fNIRS—while one partner attempted to regulate the other’s negative emotions. We also analyzed behavioral synchrony during conversation through Motion Energy Analysis (MEA).
The results showed that, during emotional support, pairs with higher levels of movement synchrony were also more likely to exhibit neural synchrony. This synchrony, in turn, made the receiving partner feel that their emotions were truly being understood and responded to. Notably, synchrony in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—an area associated with joint attention—was particularly pronounced. This suggests that when both individuals direct their attention fully toward each other, comfort is more likely to resonate emotionally.
Furthermore, the study found that such behavioral and neural synchrony was stronger among female friend pairs, suggesting that gender may shape sensitivity and coordination styles in interpersonal emotion regulation.
The findings were published in NeuroImage. (Shao)
This article received Open Access publication support from the university as a Top 10% journal.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121610